The Golden State Warriors are making it clear that they will not be foolishly aggressive on the trade market this season. They understand the team isn't where it needs to be and know that they aren't one trade away from contention, so there's no point in overcommitting on a major trade with other flaws on the roster. But, the 20-20 Warriors can't continue being average in the West, with Stephen Curry saying as much in a recent interview.
The Warriors might not want to overpay for Jimmy Butler, but they could see the long-term benefits of landing a pair of young stars for a reasonable price. The tanking Utah Jazz might have that to offer if the Warriors are interested, as a deal could be made for both Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Collin Sexton ($18.3 million), Walker Kessler ($2.9 million)
Utah Jazz Receive: Brandin Podziemski ($3.5 million), Gary Payton II ($9.1 million), Kevon Looney ($8.0 million), 2026 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick (ATL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (ATL)
Sexton and Kessler are expected to be the prime trade pieces for the Jazz this winter, with their cost-controlled contracts and solid production proving enticing to contenders. The Warriors can send fringe-rotational players with solid draft assets to outmaneuver other reportedly interested teams like the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors Land Two Key Reinforcements
The Warriors have clear needs on their roster. They're well-placed across their forward line with the likes of Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and even Moses Moody and Gui Santos. Their guard core has already been strengthened with a move for Dennis Schroder, but there still seems to be an inability for the franchise to supplement Curry with complementary guards.
Collin Sexton can remedy that issue, averaging 18.3 points and 4.0 assists and thriving as a combo guard over the last few years. He is a better scorer than Schroder and could be a fantastic sixth man or start alongside Curry with Schroder and Buddy Hield as their backups. Another need for the Warriors is a starting center, which Walker Kessler can easily address.
Kessler is averaging 10.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks this season. He is a typical gritty defense-oriented center the Warriors have had success with over their dynasty. He'll set the required screens while providing excellent rim protection and rebounding. It reduces the load on Draymond Green defensively and allows the Warriors to remain competitive for years to come.
Sexton is 26 years old while Kessler is 23 years old, so they both could be long-term options for the Warriors as well.
The Jazz Land Future Assets
This is a simple asset deal for the Jazz, who have finally tanked hard enough to occupy the No. 15 seed in the West with a 10-30 record. It looked like the New Orleans Pelicans would run away with the position but the recent return of Zion Williamson has started to see them climb up the standings. The Jazz can solidify their position as the worst in the West by moving off two winning players in this deal.
Brandin Podziemski is averaging 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds this season. While he's having a tough year in Golden State, let's not forget he was an All-Rookie First Team selection and has a high ceiling still. Gary Payton II is averaging 4.7 points and 2.9 rebounds but his value in this deal is as an expiring contract. The same applies to Kevon Looney, who's averaging 5.1 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Controlling a Warriors first-round pick can be lucrative if these moves also fail to increase their ceiling in any measurable way. This is a deal for draft compensation and a talent like Podziemski playing out to be a future franchise player for the team.
Get Better Now And Stay Competitive In The Future
The Warriors are looking for moves that bring them back on the path of contention. This move does exactly that by acquiring two young players with room to grow who can adjust well to their style. It can ensure that Curry and the franchise don't miss the Playoffs for the third time in five seasons while keeping them competitive in the coming seasons.
This is a unique deal which gives improves them now and over the future, which is why they paid a solid draft price to make this trade possible. The Jazz will be pleased with the returning assets themselves, allowing them to tank the rest of the season while adding future flexibility in building out their core.
