The Golden State Warriors have long relied on their small-ball style of play, but their lack of size in the middle is becoming a serious issue. Draymond Green has been holding down the fort as a small-ball center, but with his recent left calf strain, the team is left even more vulnerable.
The Warriors’ front office is actively looking for a big man who can stretch the floor and fit into Steve Kerr’s system. However, they’re being cautious about making any major moves before the trade deadline.
Warriors Waiting for the Right Trade Opportunity
According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, two Western Conference executives have stated that Golden State is holding onto its top trade assets for the offseason. While some minor trades could happen before the deadline, the team is eyeing a bigger move down the line. Stephen Curry has reportedly advised the front office not to make trades that could hurt the team’s long-term future.
Even so, the Warriors are closely watching potential trade targets, including Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls. Vučević, earning $20 million this season, could provide the scoring boost that Curry and the team desperately need. Other names on their radar include Kelly Olynyk, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Robert Williams III, as reported by Jake Fischer.
How a Big Man Could Impact the Warriors
Golden State’s offense thrives on ball movement and spacing, making a big man with shooting and passing skills a great fit.
- Kelly Olynyk: His ball-handling and passing ability could complement the Warriors’ system, helping with ball movement and spacing.
- Robert Williams III: A defensive specialist known for shot-blocking and rebounding, Williams could bring much-needed rim protection.
- Jonas Valančiūnas: A strong post presence with rebounding skills, he could provide the Warriors with a reliable inside scorer.
Each of these players offers a different skill set that could help Golden State address its size disadvantage.
Warriors Crushed by Celtics: A Wake-Up Call
The Warriors’ need for size was brutally exposed in their 125-85 loss to the Boston Celtics—one of their worst defeats in recent years. With a 21-21 record, Golden State currently sits 11th in the Western Conference, just outside the play-in tournament.
Kristaps Porziņģis torched the Warriors early, scoring eight points in the first quarter, including two three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor forced Golden State’s smaller defenders into tough matchups, which allowed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to attack the paint with ease.
After the game, Stephen Curry didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s struggles:
“A big part of our season has been when we can’t score, we lose spirit, we lose life, we lose competitiveness,” Curry said. “We can get away with it against some teams, against the defending champs, it’s not a good formula for success.”
Golden State’s offense was completely off, shooting just 34.8% from the field and a dismal 26.4% from three-point range. The Celtics took full advantage, outscoring the Warriors 43-24 in the third quarter, sealing the blowout win.
Can the Warriors Turn Things Around?
Despite their struggles, the Warriors still have time to make a comeback. With Stephen Curry leading the team, it’s never wise to count them out. However, they need to address their weaknesses—particularly their lack of size in the paint and inconsistent scoring.
If they make the right moves, whether before the trade deadline or in the offseason, a key addition could help them regain their competitive edge. Whether it’s Vučević, Olynyk, or another big man, the Warriors need reinforcements to avoid another disappointing season.
