Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors continued their descent in the NBA standings after losing to the lowly Toronto Raptors on Monday. Curry still doesn't feel there's a need to make a roster move amid their struggles, showing his faith to the Warriors front office.
However, the Warriors are now 19-20 and sitting 11th in the Western Conference standings. They are a good time that just don't know how to close games and score in the fourth quarter. They need a secondary option behind Curry, which is no disrespect to Andrew Wiggins or Jonathan Kuminga.
Let's look at three possible moves for Golden State to consider ahead of next month's trade deadline.
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3 deals that could get Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors back on track
#1 - Make a deal with the Wizards
Warriors get: Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards get: Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Kyle Anderson, Gary Payton II and a 2027 first-round pick
If the Golden State Warriors want to be conservative in how to approach this year's trade deadline, they are unlikely to take a lot of risks. One of the best moves they can make is to acquire Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards.
Kuzma is a better secondary option behind Steph Curry than Andrew Wiggins, who wouldn't be part of this potential trade. Valanciunas provides big man depth, while his sheer size is something Golden State has been missing since Andrew Bogut was on the team.
For the Wizards, Jonathan Kuminga gives them a building block alongside Jordan Poole, who might play better along with someone he's familiar with. Kevon Looney could serve as a mentor for Alex Sarr, while Kyle Anderson and Gary Payton II provide valuable experience for a rebuilding team.
#2 - Take a risk on Zion Williamson
Warriors get: Zion Williamson
Pelicans get: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Lindy Waters II, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick.
Marc J. Spears already reported that the Golden State Warriors are not interested in acquiring Zion Williamson. There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding Williamson, who is among the best players in the NBA if healthy and motivated.
If Golden State is out of options and wants to really compete, maybe they change their mind and bring the best out of the former No. 1 pick. He's going to be the instant second option on offense, proving energy and scoring efficiency.
As for the Pelicans, they get rid of Williamson's contract and give themselves flexibility. Andrew Wiggins rights the ship as an experienced vet, who'll replace Brandon Ingram if he leaves in free agency. Jonathan Kuminga is a slimmer version of Zion, who still needs to get polished.
#3 - Go all in on Kevin Durant
Warriors get: Kevin Durant
Suns get: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney and a 2026 first-round pick.
The Golden State Warriors are doing a disservice to Steph Curry if they don't try to give him the best team they can build. Curry doesn't have a lot of years left in his career, so there's no time to waste for the franchise. Maybe they can go after Kevin Durant if the Phoenix Suns decide to blow it up.
Curry and Durant won two NBA championships together, and they would likely be another lethal duo despite their age. The pair could have at least two more championship windows as long as they remain healthy. It would also help if Draymond Green won't ruin their chemistry with another tirade.
In Phoenix, they get a first-round pick just in case of a soft rebuild around Devin Booker. Jonathan Kuminga is a young piece they can rely on to develop, while Andrew Wiggins is a stop-gap option as they wait for the next superstar to target.
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