The Golden State Warriors want to make another run for the championship this season. Since 2010, they have the most championships by a team in the NBA.
They have also played the least amount of games in that period. However, the way the roster is made up now, they are missing some interior presence.
Currently, the only viable player in the post is Kevon Looney. Although he is phenomenal, Looney cannot be asked to play as many minutes as he has in the past. That will eventually slow down, and the Warriors will lose out on games due to fatigue.
Therefore, the Warriors should trade for Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein in this bold proposal. That will fortify their frontcourt and support Looney in the process.
NBA Trade Proposal — Golden State Warriors Land Isaiah Hartenstein
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Isaiah Hartenstein
New York Knicks Receive: G Gary Payton II
The Trade scenario only involves each team receiving one player. The Warriors get the center they need in Hartenstein. On the other hand, the Knicks get back an amazing defense-first guard in Payton. Hartenstein has one year remaining on his contract, while Payton has two.
Hartenstein is only 25 years old and will bring an energy boost for the Warriors off the bench. It will also allow Looney to spend less time on the court when necessary. It relieves the front-court that is missing for the Warriors to compete in the West.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors Updates
As for the Knicks, Payton is a 30-year-old guard still in his prime. He has championship experience and can bring much-needed defense. The backcourt for the Knicks has a lot of scoring but is missing the defensive edge to compete against the elite guards in the East.
That said, here is some insight on why each team makes the trade.
Why The Golden State Warriors Make This Deal
The Warriors lost in the Western Conference semi-finals last season to the Los Angeles Lakers. The glaring factor was how much bigger the Lakers were against the Warriors. They simply did not have enough bodies to compete on the inside, and Los Angeles feasted. With the addition of Hartenstein, it could eliminate that weakness.
Hartenstein is a legit 7-footer who has shown glimpses of his inside presence with the Knicks. In just 20 minutes a game last season, he averaged 5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and nearly a block per game. He is also efficient from the field, shooting the ball at 54%.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors were middle of the pack in the NBA in opponent points in the paint, allowing 50 a game. Hartenstein could definitely be a presence that allows the Warriors to adjust for other big men they face in games, especially in the playoffs.
As a result, they can focus on the offense without thinking of the other end. Also, as mentioned earlier, it becomes a much-needed relief for Looney, who is asked to do way too much as the only legit center.
Why The New York Knicks Make This Deal
The Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs last season but lost in the conference semis to the Heat. They weren’t clicking on the offensive end like during the regular season. As a result, the defense also suffered due to the lack of energy and focus.
By adding Payton, he can be a spark on defense and bring a different dynamic to the backcourt. Currently, the guard situation in New York is all about offense. They added Jalen Brunson who is asked to play the traditional guard role and put up points. The other guards on the team, including Brunson, are not really the best defenders.
Collectively, they are really good, but individually they don’t have that one player who is a lockdown defender. The only player that comes close to that is Quentin Grimes.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors Updates
Therefore, Payton II will be valuable in that regard. He can be inserted into a lineup off the bench that allows the team to adjust for his lack of offense. There is only one ball, so at times, with Brunson, Julius Randle, and R.J. Barrett, they fight for who takes the shot. In a lineup with Payton II, Randle and/or Barrett can remain on the court and the defense steps up.
The Knicks were 19th in the league in defensive rating and Payton II can definitely impact that stat. The Warriors need that inside presence if they want to compete in their conference. That is why the trade scenario works out for both teams.
