Between a combination of age-related decline, stalled-out developmental projects, and generally underwhelming performances by just about everyone other than Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors enter NBA trade season as simply an afterthought in the championship chase. This roster is practically begging for a mid-season change, but nothing short of a needle-mover would...well, move the needle.
This franchise needs to find a fortune-changer, but with preferred target Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly out of reach (either unavailable or unaffordable), it might need an outside-the-box gamble like last season's deadline deal for Jimmy Butler. Dialing up the Dallas Mavericks, for instance, might deliver five-time All-NBA honoree Anthony Davis, but fans might be less than enthused about such a partnership.