Hoops Habit
Fansided

1 dream, 1 nightmare, and 1 realistic trade target for the Warriors

Who should the Warriors target in a trade and who should they avoid?

By Treyvon Hastings

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry / Jared C. Tilton/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

Realistic trade target: Brandon Ingram or Jimmy Butler

Brandon Ingram has been linked to the Warriors since the offseason began after the NBA Finals. The Pelicans and Ingram appear significantly off on the value of Ingram's upcoming contract extension. While the former All-Star wants a max contract, New Orleans remains patient and mindful of the league's new CBA, which makes long-term roster building and overspending difficult challenges for every time in the league.

A cheaper financial option, Ingram appears to be a better fit in Golden State. Making $36 million this season, Golden State would have to trade Andrew Wiggins or Draymond Green, in addition to another salary of at least $8 million or more.

Discussions about a contract extension would likely follow, although the Warriors could view Ingram as a short-term rental to re-emerge among the Western Conference's best team. While he would serve as a defensive downgrade from Wiggins or Green, he could explode as Golden State's consistent second option.

Other than Ingram, other options exist for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler appears intent on entering free agency next season after failing to agree on a contract extension with the Miami Heat. However, rumors emerged of interest in Butler for Golden State, who could use another high-level All-Star to improve their chances of competing for a title. Despite nearly worse numbers across the stat sheet, Butler shot a career-best 41 percent from three, while remaining one of the league's best defenders.

Now in his age-35 season, Butler fits the timeline of Golden State's remaining mainstays (Curry and Green), forming a dangerous defensive tandem with Draymond Green. Additionally, Butler's playoff ascension throughout his career could pay dividends for Golden State in the postseason, alleviating pressure off of Stephen Curry and others offensively. A trade involving Butler likely signals the end of Andrew Wiggins' stay in Golden State as the primary salary matcher.

Home/Golden State Warriors