The Golden State Warriors look a little unfinished. It’s not that this team is having an abysmal NBA season. The Warriors are competitive on any given night. They don’t look like title contenders. Typically, that’s how we expect this team to look.
The Los Angeles Clippers look dreadful. There’s no polite way to put that. This team hasn’t won a game since they acquired James Harden. It’s been difficult to watch.
Now, the Clippers are backed into a corner. They don’t have any assets to improve, and yet, they’re in dire need of improvement.
Yes, it’s early. Both of these teams have plenty of season left. Still, each has cause for concern. It wouldn’t be a shock to see either make a major move throughout the season.
Could that move send Paul George to the Warriors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2030 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors receive: G/F Paul George
Yet, we can’t blame the Clippers for being out of assets. On paper, they’re title contenders. When a team has a championship window, they’re supposed to spend – aren’t they?
Well, if so, nobody told the Warriors. They’ve been winning championships for a decade, and yet, the Warriors still have their assets.
They’ve got plenty of draft capital to move and a slew of young players who could intrigue rebuilding teams. If the Warriors want to improve, they’ve got the means to do it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
How did this happen? Well, in between those title-winning seasons, the Warriors have turned in some duds. This organization has been willing to stomach a losing season if it improves their future.
Should they really abandon that philosophy now?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
If the Warriors have a losing season, they won’t be rewarded. No Jonathan Kuminga or James Wiseman is at the end of the road here. The Warriors don’t own their upcoming first-round pick. So, they’ve got no incentive to lose.
They’ve also got some incentive to move Thompson. He’s in a contract year, and by all accounts, these two sides don’t agree on his next extension. So, moving him before he walks for nothing has its own value. Still, the main idea here is to acquire George.
He’ll provide the shot-creating ability that the Warriors are missing outside of Steph Curry. George would also allow the Warriors to play big, wing-heavy lineups featuring him alongside Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors could also shift Chris Paul back to a sixth man role that’s probably more fitting for him at this point in his career.
Should the Clippers help them make that shift?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers should give the Harden experiment more time. It can’t be this bad, right? Surely, the Clippers will eventually turn this thing around – won’t they?
We’ll see. Let’s assume that this continues to look ugly. At some point, the Clippers will have to consider taking drastic measures. This deal would be drastic.
Yet, it does allow the Clippers to regain three unprotected firsts. For a team that’s this light on assets, that’s pivotal. It won’t necessarily force them to the bottom of the standings, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Yet, if it does, the Clippers could move Kawhi Leonard for another haul of draft capital. This team may have to consider a rebuild soon – after all, the Harden era is off to a pretty rough start.
