The Golden State Warriors Could Acquire a Former All-Star
The Golden State Warriors have continued to be engulfed by trade rumors regarding the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The Warriors are reportedly open to possibly moving the selection for the right price. The discussion has now moved toward adding a former All-Star to playing alongside Stephen Curry next season.
Warriors land No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft
The Golden State Warriors took a detour from their recent championship success this past season after finishing among the league’s worst records.
The Warriors’ struggles were significantly impacted by the notable injuries to their core group. Two-time MVP Stephen Curry missed nearly the entire shortened season due to a broken wrist while Klay Thompson missed it all due to his recovery from a torn ACL.
Golden State’s miscues in the 2019-20 season saw it result in an extremely positive note earning the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. All that has thrust before them the rumors about what they could do with that high draft selection.
Warriors could use No. 2 pick to acquire LaMarcus Aldridge
The Golden State Warriors have found themselves in a promising position ahead of the 2020 NBA draft.
The second overall pick has remained in the rumor mill, with various reports suggesting that the franchise could trade the selection. During a recent episode of The Lowe Post podcast, Zach Lowe of ESPN voiced that the Warriors may have some keen interest in trading the pick for former All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs’ 11th overall pick.
“Someone within the league today texted me, ‘Hey, there’s a little buzz about No.2 to San Antonio for Lamarcus Aldridge and No. 11,’ Lowe stated. ” And obviously there’d have to be salary going out [for the Warriors]. And my response was, ‘That’s crazy. The Warriors should not do that. You don’t trade the No.2 pick for LaMarcus Aldridge.’ “
In the last couple of years, the Spurs have welcome trade talk concerning the seven-time All-Star. The 35-year-old has experienced some decline in his play but remains a highly effective offensive factor. He’s coming off a campaign where he averaged 18.9 points on 49.3% shooting from the floor, 38.9% from 3-point range, and a career-high 1.6 blocks.
Aldridge is in the final year of his two-year, $50 million deal that will pay him $24 million. Aldridge could bring in much-needed help in the frontcourt, which would be a short-term move to extend their core group’s championship window further.
The Warriors could more than entertain this route, especially if they garnered the 11th overall pick in return, but it’s one of several possible pathways they can go.
Warriors have their options with the No. 2 overall pick
The Golden State Warriors have many options in front of them with the second overall pick in this year’s draft.
The Warriors have the luxury of already possessing three All-Stars, which includes arguably the league’s best backcourt. The franchise is eyeing re-entering the championship picture, which could see them heavily explore the trade market for their selection.
Meanwhile, the draft pick also gives them the unique opportunity to add another long-term foundational piece, such as Memphis’ James Wiseman or Georgia’s Anthony Edwards. Either of these players could prove to be pivotal in extending Stephen Curry’s prime.
Golden State sounds quite comfortable in using their selection to bring a promising young talent aboard. Ultimately, the franchise is in an opportune position that can only benefit their future well beyond next season.
