With the NBA trade season beginning to heat up, analysts are trying to figure out which teams will be looking to make some moves ahead of the February deadline. One team that people are keeping a close eye on is the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State has struggled to find any consistency this season. Injuries have played a part, as Gary Payton II suffered a torn calf muscle and in his second game back was injured again. Draymond Green being suspended twice hasn’t helped, either.
Green is in the midst of an indefinite suspension handed down by the NBA after he struck Phoenix Suns’ center Jusuf Nurkic in the face. His first suspension was for placing Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a chokehold.
If there has been a silver lining to not having Green in the lineup it has been rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis getting playing time and producing. But, when Green does return, what will head coach Steve Kerr opt to do?
Removing players from the rotation is easier said than done, especially when they are performing well. That could lead to the Warriors looking to make a trade that consolidates their roster.
Despite being 6-4 without Green, the team’s defense has taken a nosedive. For them to reach their potential, they need Green on the court and playing at a high level. They could also use a shakeup on their roster, which has led Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer to suggest making a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
