After making a crafty trade to acquire Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets, the Golden State Warriors are expected to make another move. The fact that they were able to get Schroder, who was one of the more underrated starting point guards in the NBA, is impressive enough.
However, they got him for a player who is out for the season and three second-round picks. That means that they not only got a steal but also have enough assets to make another big trade. They have a few options, but who could be the next player that the Warriors target in a trade? Next, we will take a look at three potential trade options for the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat
Heat star Jimmy Butler is rumored to be available, and the Warriors could look to acquire him next, but it may be made harder post-trade. After all, De'Anthony Milton's contract would have been useful for trying to match salaries.
However, they could package some combination of Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga for Butler. It would take some doing with both teams being above the first apron, meaning that a third team may have to be involved.
Butler's fit in Golden State is somewhat questionable given his age at 35, his lack of shooting, and his wanting a big contract. At this stage in his career, he might not be worth trading several rotation players for, unless the Warriors believe that he has one more "Playoff Jimmy" run in him.
Nikola Vucevic-Chicago Bulls
The Warriors already have a fairly deep frontcourt with Trayce Jackson-Davis, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney, but they could use more size. Bulls star Nikola Vucevic is having a terrific season, reemerging as a legit stretch five who can knock down threes, score in the post, and crash the glass.
As a result, he is one of the best offensive big men available. Nevertheless, his lack of defense seemingly makes him exploitable in the playoffs. As someone who can be productive in 25 minutes per game on a good team rather than playing big minutes, he might be worth bringing in, but he probably won't close games with Golden State.
Zach LaVine-Chicago Bulls
Ironically, the best potential fit of the available stars on the market is Bulls guard Zach LaVine. LaVine has become underrated due to his ugly contract, but he's been one of the best offensive guards in the NBA over the last five years.
His elite shooting, paired with Curry, could move the needle enough to swing a playoff series. While he is owed a boatload over the next three years, he is seven years younger than Butler, a better fit offensively, and may actually cost less to acquire given his lack of a trade market.
If the Warriors can cobble together matching salary and possibly a first-round pick, they could land LaVine to complete their in-season makeover.