As the Golden State Warriors reckon with their recent skid to tenth place in the Western Conference, it’s clear that they need to make a move sooner rather than later.

They have been linked to a variety of trade candidates, including far-fetched proposals that would bring in LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, and realistic links have been made to players like Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valančiūnas.

If the Warriors decide not to make a move before the trade deadline, they have up to $39.8 million coming off the books in expiring contracts this summer. With all that money, they could make a deal for a marquee free agent like Brook Lopez, Malcolm Brogdon, or even King James. However, thanks to their lackluster 17-16 record, the Warriors may have another option.

Golden State, as it stands this week, will draft 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. In a loaded Draft Class, the Warriors have an opportunity to find a perfect partner alongside Steph Curry. 

Duke University’s Khaman Maluach, is a 7-foot-2 freshman who could help propel Golden State back to their glory days in the upcoming years. 

Maluach played sparingly for South Sudan in the 2024 Paris Olympics and is currently averaging 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Blue Devils. His calling card is his defense and athleticism. He is posting 1.1 blocked shots on a nightly basis and projects to be a high-level rim protector in the NBA.

Maluach doesn’t move the best with the ball in his hands but between Curry, Brandin Podziemski and Dennis Schröder (if the Warriors re-sign him), the young center could be an elite lob threat right away in the pick-and-roll.

If his outside shot continues to improve, he could eventually be one of the premier two-way bigs in the NBA. As Curry slowly declines and Maluach finds his footing in the league, the pair could form a deadly pick-and-roll duo or even a pick-and-pop pair. On top of that, under Draymond Green’s tutelage, the young center could become even more versatile on the perimeter.

As the Warriors slowly pass the torch to the next era, finding a franchise center who can anchor the paint needs to be a priority, and Maluach can help Curry and Green make one or two last runs in the postseason before he is ready to take over as a centerpiece.

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