In recent days, trade rumors have begun to swirl around the association, and one team who’s consistently found themselves in these conversations is the Golden State Warriors.
This is for good reason.
The current Warriors front office, spearheaded by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., is no stranger to aggressively attempting to acquire high-caliber talent on the NBA’s open trade market. Recent examples include the Dubs’ well-documented hunt for Lauri Markkanen and Paul George this past off-season.
That said, recent reports suggest that the Warriors’ newest trade targets could currently be sporting Brooklyn Nets’ jerseys.
Here’s a closer look at how three Nets’ starters have reportedly attracted the interest of the Warriors’ front office and which player would make the most sense for Golden State to acquire.
Three Nets’ Starters Drawing Interest From Warriors
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors have been engaging in “trade dialogue” with the Brooklyn Nets, potentially discussing several trade packages. Charania states that the Dubs’ interest primarily lies in three specific playmakers: Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dennis Schröder.
Right now, the general sense around the league is that the Nets will likely be “sellers” ahead of the trade deadline. As the season progresses, Golden State should inquire about the availability of the team’s top performers. Acquiring any of these players allows the Warriors to bolster their rotation and help take some of the offensive workload off two-time MVP Stephen Curry.
In any case, a potential trade package between the two organizations would likely involve De’Anthony Melton‘s $12.8 million expiring contract, which the Warriors have been reportedly “dangling around” the association as salary filer in potential trade packages.
Which Player Makes The Most Sense for Golden State?
As far as the Warriors are concerned, all three players would be solid additions to the rotation in their own right. That said, one name sticks out in particular.
Original Warriors trade target, Cam Johnson.
The 28-year-old former University of North Carolina star has put together an impressive season in 2024, registering a career-high 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 48.8% from the field and 43% from behind the arc.
Johnson’s above-average play-making skills and elite ability to score at all three levels have been on full display this season, and one can only assume this production level would continue, if not increase, after being implemented into a Steve Kerr offense. Additionally, unlike a superstar like Jimmy Butler, acquiring Johnson could allow the Warriors to keep more of their young core pieces, giving them more time to grow and develop within the team’s rotation.
All things considered, moving to acquire a player like Johnson could be exactly what the Warriors need to help them compete for one of the top spots in the NBA’s cutthroat Western Conference.
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