The Golden State Warriorswere supposed to be one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference this season. However, Klay Thompson’s season-ending injury represented a major change of scenery for them.
Stephen Curry has been nothing short of spectacular and is playing the best basketball of his career, but no one can win on his own in the NBA. The rest of the team has yet to step up and, other than Draymond Green, it seems like no one should be untouchable.
That’s why the Warriors are believed to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline. They know that they need to add more firepower if they want to make a run in the West, and; according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, they’ve already identified a couple of targets.
NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Want To Trade For Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica
“For Sacramento, forwards Harrison Barnes and Nemanja Bjelica will receive interest from suitors. Barnes, one of the team’s veteran leaders, has had a productive season in averaging 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game. Bjelica spent time out of the Kings’ rotation but has since returned. He’s averaging 8.3 points and 31 percent 3-point shooting in 18 games this season. Philadelphia, Miami, Golden State, Milwaukee and Boston are among teams that have shown interest in Bjelica, sources said,” Charania reported, as quoted by ClutchPoints.
This would make a lot of sense for the Dubs. Barnes would be coming back home and he already knows how to play under Steve Kerr’s system. He’s a solid defender and a guy that’s proven capable of scoring when called upon.
As for Bjelica, he’s a savvy veteran that could give them some size and versatility on both ends of the floor. While no longer a great three-point shooter, he could stretch the floor or defend in the post.
It’s clear that the Warriors need to make a couple of moves if they want to make the playoffs. They’re slightly above .500 with a 19-18 record but are currently sitting at the 9th spot in the West, so yeah, they better start making some calls.