The Golden State Warriors need to make corrections this season because their season seems to be going south. At 36 years old, Stephen Curry has had two shockingly bad performances in the same month, Jonathan Kuminga has been called out by Steve Kerr, and the newly acquired Dennis Schroder has failed to make an impact. Overall, the Warriors are not a title-contending team and that is fairly obvious when watching their games.
The Warriors are in the market for roster upgrades right now and could look toward a tanking Utah Jazz for the right pieces. The Warriors rank 14th in offense and 11th in defense so they are only a few pieces away from being a much better side.
Sitting at 15-13, the Warriors are at risk of being a play-in team and that is where a proposed trade including Walker Kessler and John Collins comes in. The Utah Jazz are at the bottom of the West this season and need to find a new franchise cornerstone alongside star Lauri Markkanen, so they could trade their pieces to start tanking as soon as possible.
We have a proposed trade package to give the Warriors two new frontcourt pieces by consulting the Utah Jazz in a trade and let's break down how it works out for all parties involved.
Golden State Warriors Get Size And Shooting
This trade would give the Warriors exactly what they’ve been missing: size, rebounding, and consistent scoring. Walker Kessler, a defensive anchor, addresses the glaring issue in Golden State’s interior defense.
Averaging 10.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game this season, Kessler brings rim protection the Warriors have lacked since losing Kevon Looney’s youthful agility. His ability to finish around the rim and set hard screens also enhances Stephen Curry’s pick-and-roll opportunities.
John Collins adds a new dimension to the Warriors’ offense with his combination of athleticism and shooting. At 6’9", Collins is shooting 42.4% from three while averaging 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season.
His versatility makes him an ideal fit for Steve Kerr’s system, which thrives on floor spacing and movement. Collins’ ability to attack mismatches inside or stretch the floor on the perimeter would keep defenses honest, particularly in crunch time.
Adding these two players could elevate Golden State’s offensive efficiency while fortifying their defense. With Kessler’s defensive dominance and Collins’ scoring versatility, the Warriors would immediately look more balanced and dangerous. However, the cost of losing glue players like Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II might sting in the short term.
Utah Jazz Rebuild With An Excellent And Improved Core
The Jazz would take a big step forward in their rebuild with this trade. Jonathan Kuminga is a tantalizing prospect at 22 years old, showing flashes of his star potential despite limited opportunities with the Warriors. Averaging 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds this season, Kuminga has the athleticism and versatility to develop into a franchise cornerstone in the right environment.
Gary Payton II provides the Jazz with a defensive stopper and a culture-builder. His ability to guard multiple positions and his championship pedigree bring value to a young roster. Kevon Looney, a proven rebounder and defender, offers stability to Utah’s frontcourt while serving as a mentor for younger players. Meanwhile, Kyle Anderson’s playmaking and versatility add veteran savvy to the lineup.
Most importantly, the Jazz acquire two future first-round picks, which could become valuable assets in their rebuild. By moving Collins and Kessler, the Jazz lean fully into their youth movement while setting themselves up for long-term success. While losing Kessler and Collins stings, this trade positions Utah to retool around younger, high-upside talent.
A Desperate Attempt To Push For A Championship By The Warriors
This trade screams urgency for Golden State, and it’s easy to see why. Stephen Curry’s window to contend for a title is shrinking, and the Warriors need to maximize every remaining year of his prime. Acquiring Kessler and Collins is a clear statement that they are going all-in, but it comes at a significant cost.
Losing Kevon Looney, the heart of their defense and rebounding efforts, would hurt Golden State in ways that might not be immediately apparent. Looney’s leadership, consistency, and chemistry with Curry have been critical in the team’s success. Similarly, Gary Payton II, an elite perimeter defender, and Kyle Anderson, a versatile playmaker, have roles that are difficult to replace.
However, desperate times call for desperate measures. If Kessler and Collins can click with the Warriors’ core, they could push the team back into championship contention.
Yet, if chemistry issues arise or injuries plague their new additions, this trade could backfire spectacularly, leaving Golden State with a depleted roster and few future assets. It’s a gamble, but one the Warriors might feel compelled to take given the stakes.
