Mock Trade Brings $20 Million All-Star to Warriors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 2, 2024 11:39 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors got off to a hot start to the season, holding onto the top spot in the Western Conference for a solid chunk of the year so far. Recently, however, the Warriors have fallen back to Earth, losing four straight games. The Dubs have fallen to the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns.

Despite ranking in the top ten in both offensive and defensive rating this season, the Warriors have slipped to the 20th-ranked defense and 26th-ranked offense over the last four games. Golden State has lost De'Anthony Melton for the season with an ACL injury, and when he is eligible to be traded on Dec. 15, the general expectation is that the Warriors will be quick to move him.

The Warriors' deep rotation doesn't feature a player taller than 6-9. While the undersized Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney, and Draymond Green can certainly hold their own on defense, the Warriors could add an offensive-minded center who can space the floor ahead of the Trade Deadline.

As the Warriors look to add win-now talent and the Chicago Bulls try and shed salary and rebuild, Nikola Vucevic is an obvious trade candidate. The two-time All-Star is averaging 20.9 points and 10 rebounds this season while shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and 46.9 percent from 3-point range.

With Melton's expiring contract, the Warriors could toss either Jonathan Kuminga or Gary Payton II to the Bulls. According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Bulls want to start negotiations with two second-round picks, making Vucevic incredibly affordable for Golden State.

However, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto has reported in direct contradiction to Fisher.

"Thus far, multiple executives who’ve spoken to the Bulls say Chicago still has asking prices that are “too high” for LaVine and Vucevic, given their contracts," he wrote on Tuesday.

The Warriors shouldn't be willing to break the bank for Vucevic, but his ability to share the floor with another one of the bigs in Golden State cannot be understated. If the Bulls are willing to entertain a reasonable offer, adding a player of that caliber might be exactly what the Dubs need to break their slump.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: