Grade the Trade: Warriors land Markkanen in expensive blockbuster pitch

Grading the Trade for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have a limited window of time in which to try and win with Stephen Curry. He is no longer capable of being the one and only star on a contender, not that the Warriors ever won like that. If the Warriors want to be anything other than a Play-In team, they likely need an offensive co-star for Curry.

Ideally that would be a proven superstar, but those don't grow on trees, and Markkanen is an excellent fit even if he has exactly 0 playoff games to his name. His shooting will open up the court and make for some truly lethal two-man actions with Curry and Markkanen.

Is the cost here worth it? The Warriors don't have to give up Jonathan Kuminga, although that does make for some difficult lineup decisions fitting he, Markkanen and Draymond into the frontcourt together.

Moving on from Podziemski is painful, as he has proven to be a perfect fit alongside Curry and is extremely cheap for the next three seasons. He doesn't bring the star potential of Markkanen, but he allows other stars around him to thrive.

Getting off of the contract of Andrew Wiggins is a nice benefit here; the Warriors still think highly of him, though, and losing all of Podziemski, Moody and Wiggins begs the question of who is defending opposing guards.

Getting back Jordan Clarkson gives the Warriors bench scoring and a guard with plenty of experience and the shooting chops to play some minutes alongside Curry.

This is a deal to consider; the Warriors would move three non-stars for a star who fits like a glove. When you add in the players and draft picks being moved out here, however, the cost begins to cross the threshold. This one may be a little too much to pay.

Grade: C