NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Have Done 'Due Diligence' on LaVine, Ingram, Kuzma, More

NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Have Done ‘Due Diligence’ on LaVine, Ingram, Kuzma, More

Posted by Admin December 31, 2024 NBA

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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly casting a wide net while exploring the trade market amid a recent slump that has dropped them to just 16-16 on the season.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, “Golden State has done its due diligence on several notable players on the trade market, including but not limited to Jimmy Butler—whom Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. played with in Chicago—Brandon Ingram, Cam Johnson, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vučević, Kyle Kuzma, etc.”

The Warriors already added to their ranks in the trade market, acquiring Dennis Schröder midseason. But more help is clearly needed.

Butler, 35, would obvious be the biggest splash, offering wing scoring, secondary playmaking, solid defense and some of the most clutch shot-making in the sport. In Curry and Butler the Warriors would have two excellent closers, though it would be interesting to see how he fit into Steve Kerr’s offensive scheme.

Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 season, however, making him potentially a short-term rental. And rumblings around the Heat have suggested they aren’t terribly incentivized to move him, mirroring official statements from the team.

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz

So why is Heat not moving on from Butler and giving everyone a fresh start? Many reasons: 1) Needs to be trade offer they love. There isn’t one; 2) They love idea of flexibility next summer; 3) They know nobody except Nets can sign him next summer to $$ he wants without Heat’s…

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix

Is Jimmy Butler really going to opt out of a $52 million option for next season? To go where? Feels like we’ll be back here next year wondering if the Heat will trade Butler on a true expiring deal.

Ingram, 27, would offer the Warriors a true No. 2 option on offense. He’s putting up 22.2 points per game this season while shooting 37.4 percent from three, though he’ll be a free agent after the season and could be a short-term rental, like Butler.

LaVine, 29, would offer the Warriors a solid No. 2 option on offense alongside secondary playmaking, as he’s averaging 22 points and 4.3 assists per game this season. His $45.9 million salary for next season and $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign is a pretty substantial overpay for a player who is a defensive liability, however.

Kuzma, 29, is best cast as a No. 3 option on a contender, and the Warriors really need a No. 2 behind Curry. But he’s solid as stretch-4’s go, even as he’s having a down year for the lowly Washington Wizards (15.3 PPG, 26.2 percent from three).

NBA teams can never have too many solid options on the wing, so the 28-year-old Johnson would make sense for the Warriors, especially amidst a career year (19.1 PPG, 42.9 percent from three).

Finally, Vučević’s ability to hit shots from the perimeter (45.3 percent this season) would make him a really strong fit at center alongside a player like Draymond Green. He’s having a solid season, averaging 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Butler and Ingram would move the needle the most. But the Warriors could still add some nice pieces if they don’t go the star route.