The Golden State Warriors have been searching for a new All-Star to pair with Stephen Curry following Klay Thompson's departure. However, the franchise struck out in its approaches for Paul George and Lauri Markkanen this summer.
The NBA trade deadline isn't until Feb. 6, which gives Golden State plenty of time to scour the market and pinpoint another target to potentially acquire. The Warriors roster should be deep enough to keep the team afloat, and if they overachieve, the front office can take its foot off the gas until the trade market retools next summer.
According to The Ringer's Michael Pina, the Warriors do have some options available to them if they would rather move for a star-level talent before the new season begins. He cited Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Jimmy Butler as potential targets.
"Blockbuster deals are never easy, and it makes some sense for Golden State to see what it has before any rash decisions are made," Pina wrote. "But in whiffing on PG and Markkanen, the Warriors kept their powder dry. Suppose another star becomes available at a price that makes sense for everyone involved (Jimmy Butler? Brandon Ingram? Julius Randle?). In that case, they can craft a compelling offer and, one last time, become a heavyweight contender once again."
Of those three stars, Ingram would likely be the easiest to acquire, although the Warriors would face serious questions over his value for his next contract. Both Randle and Butler are far more difficult to gauge, although both have been floated in trade rumors this summer.
Whatever the Warriors decide to do, they must be comfortable with their decision. A potential trade for an All-Star-level talent would cost them one of two of their younger talents, with Moses Moody being the most likely fall guy.
The Warriors front office has been reluctant to part with any of the future core in recent months. As such, the team must be certain the incoming player would elevate it back into championship contention; otherwise, the deal could be deemed too risky.
Golden State is in a unique situation. It needs another star to compete for a championship; however, it can't afford to make the wrong decision and potentially ruin the final years of Steph Curry and Draymond Green's careers. The Warriors have walked the tightrope between contending and retooling for years, and now they've got to push their chips all in at some point.
