The Golden State Warriors have been surrounded by an incredible number of NBA trade rumors ever since the franchise was awarded the second-overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
However, as is usually the case, many NBA trade rumors tend to look past reality and suggest moves that are very much outside the realm of possibility. On that note, here are five unlikely trades for the Golden State Warriors that could seriously shake up the NBA if they do happen.
NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo to move to Golden State Warriors
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Not many NBA trade rumors come more steeped in fantasy than this one.
Yes, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo would fit seamlessly into the system here, but that is hardly the problem. Not only do the Golden State Warriors not have the space in their salary cap for the NBA superstar, but they would also have to give up too much to get him.
The best case scenario we see for the Warriors in this case is trading away Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and their 2020 draft pick for the 25-year-old, but even that would be a stretch. The popular NBA trade rumor here is that the Milwaukee Bucks would likely ask for Klay Thompson along with assets for Antetokounmpo, something that we just don't see happening.
However, if the Golden State Warriors can find a way to bring in Giannis Antetokounmpo without losing their core players, the franchise would once again become one of the most unbeatable ones in the history of the NBA.
NBA Trade Rumors: Marcus Smart to leave the Boston Celtics for San Francisco
With the decline of Golden State Warriors' star Draymond Green, many NBA trade rumors are suggesting possible alternatives for the 30-year-old, with Celtics' star Marcus Smart getting the most mentions in this regard.
The basis of this NBA trade rumor lies in the fact that the Boston Celtics may be looking to shed some big contracts in order to increase space in their salary cap. Fortunately, experts have come forward to disprove this rumor completely.
Marcus Smart is seen as a key piece in a Boston Celtics team that is looking to contend for an NBA Championship in both the present and the near future. With this in mind, it would be downright diabolical for the historic franchise to trade away an essential player to another team, even if they are in a different conference.
However, if the Golden State Warriors could turn this NBA trade rumor into reality, not only would their defense take a massive jump, but their already impressive long range offense would improve dramatically and strike fear in the hearts of all the other teams in the league.
NBA Trade Rumors: Andre Iguodala to return to Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors parted ways with Andre Iguodala who was a key contributor to all of their NBA Championship runs. Now, many reports say that they want him back.
The justification has apparently been that the Golden State Warriors are looking to offload Iguodala's massive contract from their salary cap, planning to bring him back the next season on wages that are more reasonable for the franchise. Unfortunately for Golden State Warriors fans, this move has no basis in reality.
If the 36-year-old is willing to play on lower wages, he would not have left the franchise in the first place. Moreover, with Iguodala looking like a key veteran piece for the Miami Heat, it is unlikely the franchise will want to trade him away.
However, at the same time, we must say that if this move happens, it would be an incredible one. Andre Iguodala is already used to the system; he is an intelligent ball-handler and has come up big in countless clutch moments on both ends of the floor for the franchise.
With the player still as productive as ever, he could add significantly to the Golden State Warriors' current roster.
NBA Trade Rumors: Kelly Oubre Jr. to move to Golden State Warriors
The Phoenix Suns' rising star Kelly Oubre Jr. has been linked with the Golden State Warriors countless times in NBA trade rumors.
A player who has proven himself on both ends of the floor, Kelly Oubre Jr., would be a dream pick up for the Warriors as it would add to their roster that lacks elite forwards. Unfortunately for Warriors' fans, the Suns front office has made it clear that they intend to keep Oubre and form a big-three around him with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
Even if they do agree to let him go, the Suns would likely ask for too much in return for their budding star. However, considering the leaps Kelly Oubre Jr has taken in recent years, if the Golden State Warriors' front office were to pull this off, it would increase the ceiling of the franchise dramatically and put the entire league on notice.
NBA Trade Rumors: The Golden State Warriors are 'hunting' for Joel Embiid
While this NBA trade rumor isn't impossible, it is still far from likely to happen.
The Philadelphia 76ers crashed out of the NBA Playoffs in the first round. Since then, there has been an unending level of speculation on whether 76ers stars will be back for another year. According to NBA trade rumors, the Golden State Warriors are looking to pounce on this opportunity and go after Joel Embiid.
If this trade were to happen, it would not only give the Golden State Warriors a reliable third option in offense but would also provide a potential cornerstone for the team's defense. However, with the franchise coming out publicly to say that they intend to do what they can to keep their superstars together, it is extremely unlikely that this move could take place.
Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams Ben Simmons could leave Philadelphia 76ers for this off-season.
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