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On the surface, the Golden State Warriors are in a really rough spot.
What was supposed to be a resurgent year for the definitive dynasty of the mid-2010s is slowly turning into ashes in their mouths. Stephen Curry, while still every bit the best shooter in league history, is fighting a losing battle every night. Klay Thompson is gone for yet another year with an injury. Draymond Green is looking older than ever. James Wiseman and Kelly Oubre Jr., though they might improve, are not Death Lineup material–at least not quite yet.
However, there is a bright side to this season. While the Warriors are in a dogfight for the West's 8th seed, they have a core that doesn't rely on athleticism. Of all the disappointing teams this season, the Dubs are one of those that are surprisingly poised for a sizeable bounce back, that is if they make the right moves.
Therefore Golden State's behavior going into Thursday's trade deadline won't reflect a team making a playoff push, nor one that is ready to rebuild. They can afford to largely stand pat, let Wiseman mature and grow over the summer, sign Oubre to a cheap deal and give him time to actually gel with the team, and come back next year with a huge Death Lineup.
The Warriors don't really have any needs before the trade deadline, except one: getting rid of Andrew Wiggins.
The former first overall pick is not necessarily a bust, but he is probably one of the more frustrating players through this point in his NBA career. His enticing athleticism is still there, but he has failed to leverage it into more than average play creation and defense. His improved shooting is something to look at, but he has been hampered by a very poor shooting profile.
Wiggins is a player with great tools for a basketball player. Nonetheless, the proof is in the pudding regarding his production. Whatever tools he has are not worth $90 million over three years. That contract is top tier money and is evidence to the ineptitude of the Minnesota Timberwolves' front office.
That being said, Wiggins does present some value for teams with the cap space to afford him. For a team that is looking for a push over the hump, Wiggins has the potential to be that piece and could fetch a solid return under the proper guidance.
Luckily for Golden State, there is already a team that fits that sort of profile.
San Antonio has a bunch of expiring contracts that they are trying to get some sort of return on, and Wiggins represents that sort of return. Gregg Popovich is known for getting the best out of his charges' talents, and if there is a coach in the NBA that can discipline Wiggins, it is Pop.
The Spurs are done with DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, and both are on the trading block. Golden State is able to take that money off the books this season, while still getting one of two players that are ready for the big time right now.
If the team feels like it needs a dependable scoring punch, especially in the mid-range, DeRozan is a clear one-year upgrade over Wiggins. He might also be willing to take a bit of a paycut from the Warriors going into next season if he sees potential in their future. Aldridge, meanwhile, represents a scoring punch from a big that Golden State has yet to experience.
Now, if the Spurs don't work for their needs, Golden State can also dance with Cleveland for Kevin Love. Wiggins will make for an intriguing offensive trio with youngsters Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, while Love can provide all the rebounding and playmaking on the blocks that Draymond Green can't.
Even if no team wants to bite for a piece that valuable, Golden State can't afford to keep Wiggins on the books. Oubre will want to get paid, and they are already well above the salary cap. If this team is to have a future, they have to get rid of Wiggins, and fast, before the trade deadline hits.
Otherwise, the Splash Bros.' potential will be utterly hamstrung for the next few years as Bob Myers and Co. try to find a solution to Wiggins' stagnant development.
