The Golden State Warriors’ big man depth remains a question mark heading into next season, with Trayce Jackson-Davis in his second year, Kevon Looney not guaranteed to be in the rotation at all, and Quentin Post likely to need some development in the G League after being selected 52nd overall.
As a result, Draymond Green is anticipated to play a lot of small-ball center minutes, possibly even in the starting lineup, as the Warriors try to clear the way for Jonathan Kuminga to have a more established position.
A recent trade idea finds the Golden State Warriors swapping a proven championship piece for a younger, more athletic big man alternative.
Golden State is still looking for seven-foot forward Lauri Markkanen, who, while not a traditional center, would form a front court combination that keeps size while also providing much-needed shooting. Whether that happens or not, the Warriors might consider another move involving their current center choices.
Another team with minimal big man depth is the New York Knicks, who lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. Mitchell Robinson remains competent but prone to injuries, and Precious Achuiwa is still a restricted free agency this offseason.
In a recent piece looking at five potential Knicks trades for a center, David Vertsberger of SNY indicated that they could work out a deal with the Warriors that would send Looney to the Big Apple and Achuiwa (and draft picks) to the Bay.
“The Warriors are unlikely to be sellers in this market, but trading with the Knicks may give them more ammunition to pursue one of their larger targets. Looney is a better fit at the five for New York than Achiuwa, and Golden State can use both him and the choices for next season.
Perhaps Looney’s defense, rebounding, and passing would be a better complement to New York’s perimeter players, but Achuiwa’s youth and agility would benefit Golden State. Last season, the 6’8″ big man averaged 7.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and nearly one block in 21.9 minutes per game for the Knicks and Toronto Raptors — Achuiwa was part of a mid-season trade that included OG Anunoby, R.J. Barrett, and Immanual Quickley.
It’s a trade that’s unlikely to have a significant influence on either team, unless the Warriors use the selections in another larger move, as Vertsberger suggested. Otherwise, the difference may be too small to give up Looney’s seasoned expertise, as well as his $8 million paycheck, which might be essential in Another more substantial transaction.
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