3 reasons why Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors should trade for Nikola Vucevic

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that the Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors were interested in Nikola Vucevic. Per Slater, the stumbling block in their pursuit of the Chicago Bulls center is the “price tag,” which he called “too steep.” The NBA insider conceded, though, that anything could happen in the next 72 hours before the trade deadline.

Curry played 74 games last season, his most since 2016-17 when he played in 79, and yet the Dubs failed to make the playoffs. They could end up in the same situation if GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. could not bolster the roster. The Warriors (22-23), 11th in the Western Conference, might not make it to the play-in tournament because of their struggles and injuries to key players.

Trading for Nikola Vucevic might help the Warriors turn around their season.

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3 reasons why the Golden State Warriors will improve with Nikola Vucevic

#3, The Golden State Warriors offense struggles when Steph Curry is on the bench

Injuries to Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski only emphasized the Golden State Warriors’ need for more sources to generate points. Even when healthy, Kuminga’s growth seems to have stagnated. He has improved from 16.1 points per game last season to 16.8 ppg during the 2024-25 campaign. However, the athletic forward's shooting has dropped from 52.9% to 45.9%.

Podziemski is in the same boat as Kuminga. He is averaging 8.3 ppg compared to last season’s 9.2 ppg. Podziemski shot 45.4%, including 38.5% last season to 41.9% and 31.3% this season.

Green can facilitate the offense, but relying on him to score has never been the Golden State Warriors’ go-to card.

Nikola Vucevic is averaging 20.1 ppg on 55.5% shooting, including a sizzling 40.6% clip from deep. He can instantly upgrade the offense and help carry the Dubs when Steph Curry gets a breather.

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#2, Steve Kerr already has a vision of how a stretch 5 can make the Golden State Warriors better

On Thursday, the Warriors beat Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls 131-106. Steph Curry scored 21 points, but Steve Kerr’s second-stringers, led by backup center Quinten Post, delivered. Post scored 20 points in 20 minutes. He shot 7-for-12, including 5-for-10 from deep.

After the game, Kerr had this to say about Post’s impact:

"Playing with a space big is a luxury. He changes the look out there. He can hit a 3. He can pass. You saw him battling (Domantas) Sabonis. It’s a different look, and I’d like to give him some time."

The Golden State Warriors don’t have much time to wait for Post to become a consistent contributor. They can trade for Nikola Vucevic, who can give the Steve Kerr offense a new wrinkle.

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#1, Steph Curry would relish playing with a center with Nikola Vucevic’s 3-point accuracy

Steph Curry talked to reporters after the Warriors’ win over the Bulls. The two-time MVP had this to say about playing with a 3-point shooting big man:

"Just the way the league is going right now, having space, as many shooters as possible at whatever position, the 5, it definitely helps. You have a counter to aggressive defenses that want to take the ball out of my hands."

Steph Curry was held scoreless in the second half on Saturday against the LA Lakers. LeBron James and Co. kept the Golden State Warriors superstar in check by consistently trapping the point guard, forcing him to give up the ball.

Nikola Vucevic screening for the NBA’s greatest shooter can compromise that strategy. Vucevic averages 40% in catch-and-shoot 3s and 55.9% inside the arc, per NBA stats. Golden State’s pick-and-pop action featuring Curry and Vooch will be lethal. The Curry-Vucevic combo will also open the floor for everyone.