NBA Trades: Golden State Warriors
Try as they might, the Golden State Warriors were unable to significantly up with the roster this summer. They did make smaller moves, such as bringing in Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Milton, and Kyle Anderson, and are apparently banking on the development of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, though all that may not be enough to keep up in the Western Conference playoff race.
Based on that, they should strongly consider making a move, perhaps one involving Andrew Wiggins and the Washington Wizards. The Warriors and Wizards made a trade last summer that sent Chris Paul to Golden State and sent back Jordan Poole. That deal seemingly worked out for neither side, with Paul now in San Antonio and Poole having arguably the worst contract in the NBA.
Be that as it may, Golden State sending out Wiggins, a 2026 first and a 2028 top 10 protected first for Kyle Kuzma should work for both teams. For the Warriors, they will save around $2.7 million this season due to the difference and salaries between Wiggins and Kuzma.
With Golden State being above the first apron, shedding that salary would be doubly helpful. Better still, Kuzma is the better player and is on a contract that decreases for the next 3 years, whereas Wiggins contract increases for the next two after next season.
It will cost the Dubs, with them having to give up a first in next year's draft and a top 10 protected pick in 2028 when Steph Curry will be 40 years old and possibly out of the league. However, if the Warriors are one of the worst teams in the NBA at that point, then that pick could convert into two second rounders for Washington.
That would allow Washington to get something and allow Golden State to hold on to that first while also adding more scoring punch.