As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in crucial moments of retooling their rosters. The Warriors, after losing Klay Thompson in a sign-and-trade deal, are in search of players who can provide veteran leadership and help them remain contenders in the Western Conference. Marcus Smart and Bobby Portis could be the right pieces to bolster their defense and add toughness to their lineup.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a season marred by injuries to key players. By acquiring Andrew Wiggins and a future first-round pick, Memphis would add a proven scorer and defender who can complement Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., pushing them closer to championship contention.
Trade Proposal
Warriors receive: Marcus Smart, Bobby Portis
Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, 2026 First-Round pick (Warriors)
Bucks receive: Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, 2028 Second-Round pick (Warriors)
Warriors Bolster Their Defense And Depth
The Golden State Warriors are making waves with a trade scenario that could significantly boost their defense and overall depth. After a 2023-24 season where they struggled to stay consistent, especially on the defensive end, this move to bring in Marcus Smart and Bobby Portis could be just what the team needs to get back on track.
Marcus Smart, fresh off a season with the Memphis Grizzlies, had his ups and downs due to an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for parts of the season. Despite this, he managed to average 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Smart is known for his gritty defense and leadership on the court, traits that have made him a fan favorite wherever he plays. While some might worry about his injury history, the Warriors could definitely use a player with his defensive versatility, especially to help clamp down on the league’s top guards.
On the other hand, Bobby Portis continues to be a solid contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 2023-24 season, Portis put up 13.8 points and grabbed 7.4 rebounds per game, all while shooting a strong 40.7% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man would fit seamlessly into the Warriors' offense, which thrives on spacing and outside shooting. Plus, Portis brings a certain toughness and energy that the Warriors could really benefit from, especially off the bench. Although there have been some murmurs about the Bucks possibly shaking up their roster after their disappointing playoff exit, Portis remains a key piece for Milwaukee—though this trade would definitely shake things up.
But let’s not forget about the other side of this trade: Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins has had a rocky 2023-24 season, dealing with injuries and inconsistent performances. He had a step down from the player who was so crucial in their 2022 championship run. While Wiggins has shown he can be a two-way player, the Warriors might feel that adding Smart’s defense and Portis’ versatility could outweigh what Wiggins brings to the table.
Overall, this trade would be a bold move for the Warriors, addressing some of their key weaknesses from last season. With Smart providing perimeter defense and leadership, and Portis offering shooting and rebounding, the Warriors could find themselves back in serious contention in a stacked Western Conference.
The Grizzlies Reload With Wiggins And Future Assets
In this mock trade, the Memphis Grizzlies take a big swing by bringing in Andrew Wiggins and a 2026 first-round pick from the Warriors. The Grizzlies have been one of the Western Conference's up-and-coming teams, but last season didn’t go quite as planned. Injuries to key players, including their young star Ja Morant, disrupted what many thought would be a breakout year. Adding a player like Wiggins, along with a valuable future draft pick, could be the kind of move that pushes Memphis back into the upper echelon of the West.
Andrew Wiggins has had his share of ups and downs in the league, but he’s shown that in the right situation, he can be a major contributor. After playing a critical role in the Warriors' 2022 title run, Wiggins struggled to find that same consistency in the 2023-24 season. He dealt with some injuries and ended up averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game—solid numbers, but not quite what the Warriors were hoping for after his earlier success. That said, Wiggins is still only 29 and remains a versatile wing player who can defend multiple positions and create his own shot. For the Grizzlies, he would bring experience and a championship pedigree to a team that could use both as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Aside from Wiggins, the 2026 first-round pick could be a big win for the Grizzlies. Memphis has done an excellent job of drafting and developing young talent, and this pick gives them another asset to either use in the draft or as a trade chip down the line. With Wiggins filling a key role on the wing and another potential young star on the horizon, the Grizzlies could set themselves up for both immediate and long-term success.
Of course, moving on from Marcus Smart, even in a hypothetical scenario, isn’t easy. Smart brought leadership and toughness to the Grizzlies, and his defensive prowess is something any team would miss. However, given Smart’s injury issues last season and the need for the Grizzlies to find a way to better balance their roster, bringing in Wiggins and a future pick could be worth the sacrifice.
Ultimately, this trade could be a win for Memphis if Wiggins can rediscover his form from the Warriors' championship season and if the Grizzlies can continue their strong track record of developing young players with that 2026 pick. The Grizzlies are looking to take the next step in their evolution, and adding a player like Wiggins might just help them do that.
Big Reinforcements To The Backcourt Defense In Milwaukee
With Patrick Beverley opting to play overseas with Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to fill the defensive gap in their backcourt. Gary Payton II would be a perfect fit alongside Damian Lillard. Last season, Payton averaged 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game while playing in 44 games last season. His defensive versatility would allow Lillard to focus more on offense, knowing that Payton can handle the tougher defensive assignments.
In addition to Payton, the Bucks would bring in Kevon Looney, who would serve as a strong backup to Brook Lopez, who is now 36 years old. Looney averaged 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season, showcasing his consistency as a rebounder and defender. His ability to set screens, protect the rim, and secure rebounds would be crucial for the Bucks, especially as Lopez’s minutes may need to be managed more carefully due to his age.
Looney’s addition would not only provide insurance for Lopez but also add valuable depth to the Bucks’ frontcourt rotation. He’s a player who understands his role and excels at doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed but is vital for a team’s success. His presence would allow Giannis Antetokounmpo to play more freely, knowing that the team has reliable big men who can handle the physical demands of the game.
The Bucks’ decision to bring in Payton and Looney also addresses the need for flexibility in their lineup. With Payton’s ability to defend multiple positions and Looney’s reliability in the paint, the Bucks would have a well-rounded roster capable of adapting to different matchups, which is crucial in the playoffs. These additions would make Milwaukee a more formidable opponent on both ends of the floor as they continue to chase another championship with Lillard leading the charge.
Ultimately, this trade scenario would give the Bucks the defensive reinforcement they need in the backcourt and a dependable backup for their aging center. With these moves, Milwaukee would be better positioned to compete at the highest level, ensuring they remain one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
