The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most active teams in the trade market this 2024 offseason. In one of the largest trades in NBA history, the Warriors were part of a massive deal that sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Warriors did not come away empty-handed.
The team acquired sharpshooter Buddy Hield from the Philadelphia 76ers and glue-guy Kyle Anderson from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for one of the franchise’s most legendary players. Additionally, the Warriors signed former Sixer De’Anthony Melton to a one-year deal in free agency. These three players are projected to help Golden State in multiple areas to make up for Thompson’s departure. Despite these additions, the team is reportedly still active in the trade market, seeking the piece that could elevate them to top contender status for the 2024-25 season.
The Warriors have added solid bench depth but are still searching for a key player who can transform them from outsiders to title contenders. To achieve this, the Warriors are open to trading a combination of Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and plenty of draft capital to acquire an All-Star-caliber talent. Even if they don’t land a marquee name, the franchise could still acquire valuable pieces to further bolster their depth.
1. Brandon Ingram – SF/PF
Ingram’s availability could drive the Warriors to take a gamble on the former All-Star. His status on the trade market has fluctuated since the offseason began, with the New Orleans Pelicans exploring the possibility of trading the 26-year-old. The 2019-20 All-Star and Most Improved Player has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 23.1 points on 57.7 percent true shooting during his five-year tenure with the Pelicans.
With the 2024-25 season approaching, Ingram is entering the last year of his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. It was assumed that New Orleans would explore trading Ingram to get value before he could leave for nothing, making the Warriors a prime candidate for his services.
Since Wiggins struggled as the team’s main option at small forward in his 71 games, Ingram became an attractive potential replacement, though at a significant cost. A sufficient offer from Golden State for Ingram would likely include promising young talent and draft capital, with Kuminga and Podziemski as the main trade chips. However, the Warriors might start discussions with Moody and picks, trying to save Kuminga and Podziemski until necessary.
NBA analysts and insiders have discussed the possibility of Ingram joining the Warriors, with former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins recently expressing his support for the move in a video shared by ClutchPoints on Twitter/X. “I would like to see Brandon Ingram go to the Golden State Warriors…putting him alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green would actually put the Warriors back in the thick of things,” Perkins said.
2. Dorian Finney-Smith – PF/SF
Finney-Smith has become a hot commodity due to his defense and floor-spacing talents. His fame grew after several successful playoff runs with the Dallas Mavericks from 2020-2022, showcasing his potential as a great 3-and-D wing. His physical attributes and on-ball perimeter defense have only improved over time.
After spending the past two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith may be tired of the team’s losing ways and could be looking for a new home on a team aiming for a deep playoff run in 2024-25. Given Brooklyn’s desire to accumulate draft assets, Finney-Smith could be on his way out. The Warriors would likely prepare an offer for the talented two-way forward with excellent three-point shooting when it matters most.
A trade package for Finney-Smith may be straightforward for both Brooklyn and Golden State, especially if the Warriors are willing to include an extra first-round pick. Brooklyn, planning for the future, could follow up their trade of Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic with another deal to gain more draft assets.
3. Lauri Markkanen – PF/C
The Warriors and Utah Jazz have been in constant contact about a potential trade involving the 2023 All-Star Lauri Markkanen. His efficient play over the past two seasons has generated buzz around the NBA, with many seeing him as a fit for a contender. Markkanen, averaging 23.2 points on 63.1 percent true shooting last season, appears ready for a role on a competitive team. At 27 years old, he could also bridge the gap to the next generation for any team he joins.
In exchange for Markkanen, the Warriors have reportedly included Kuminga, Podziemski, Moody, and draft capital in discussions. However, the team is keen on keeping Podziemski, as owner Joe Lacob recently praised the young guard’s potential. “I mean, what can’t he do? We are really excited. We think we’ve got a future All-Star, we really do,” Lacob said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
A package centered around Kuminga, Moody, and picks could be the common ground for both teams. Although trading Kuminga would be tough for the Warriors, his breakout season in 2023-24 demonstrated his potential. During an eight-game stretch from January 12 to February 2, he averaged 25.6 points on 63.3 percent shooting from the floor and 56.5 percent from beyond the arc, securing a place in the starting lineup.
Swapping Kuminga for an established All-Star like Markkanen would be enticing for Golden State. Adding Markkanen to the Warriors’ core of Curry and Green would create a formidable trio, making them a team to watch in the Western Conference.
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