It’s deadline season, folks, and things are about to get dramatic. Every year, as we approach the NBA trade deadline — which is at 12:00 p.m. PT on Thursday — you can fairly evenly divide the NBA’s 30 teams into three categories: buyers, sellers, and confusion.
The Golden State Warriors fall into the bucket of confusion. Had Jimmy Butler III remained healthy, they would be clear buyers, looking at ways to pair draft picks with Jonathan Kuminga (and perhaps a few other young players) to load up for
a playoff run.
But instead, Butler suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and it puts Golden State in an odd situation: barring a blockbuster trade (more on that in a second), they don’t have a path towards making even a modest playoff run this year … but they’re still planning on contending next season.
So, do they buy this year for some Butler replacements? Do they buy this year for some reinforcements that will help next season more than this one? Do they sell, to maximize their flexibility and their assets heading into a critical offseason? Do they stand pat?
The elephant in the room, of course, is the man nearly as big as one: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors are still considered one of the favorites to land the two-time MVP if he is dealt by the deadline, and that would certainly constitute buying.
Fans, as usual, have strong opinions on what the Dubs should do. So put yourself in Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s shoes: are you buying, or are you selling?
