TRADE 1:
Warriors Get: Cam Johnson
Nets Get: Gary Payton II, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, 2026 1st, 2028 1st, 2027 2nd, 2029 2nd
Why the Warriors Do It: It's pretty simple. Cam is a 3-and-D forward averaging 20 on great efficiency. His archetype fits seamlessly on any team in the league and the Warriors are desperate enough to give up the Nets asking price for him, especially if they can keep Jonathan Kuminga.
Why the Nets Do It: The Nets asking price is two firsts, while rival GMs reportedly believe it could be done for a young player and a first. Just in case, this deal gives them both, outbidding the Kings and Pacers, who are the other two major suitors. Neither the Grizzlies nor the Thunder, who could easily outbid Golden State, seem likely to splurge and deliver this asking price, and so Brooklyn will gladly take an expiring contract, a reasonable flier in Moses Moody, two firsts and two seconds. It's probably a little lopsided so maybe the Warriors get to protect a first a little.
TRADE 2:
Warriors Get: Nikola Vucevic, Talen Horton-Tucker Bulls Get: Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, 2030 2nd
Why the Warriors Do It: Vucevic adds another 20 point per game scorer to the starting lineup, this time in the form of a stretch 5 with playmaking chops who isn't actually all that bad on defense. He fits perfectly with Draymond Green and provides a guaranteed 10 rebounds a game as well. Combined with his good efficiency, and the fact that Andrew Wiggins, Johnson and Green cover for his defensive deficiencies, there's no reason not to do it.
Why the Bulls Do It: Reports say Chicago would be lucky to get multiple SECONDS in a deal, forget firsts, so now Golden State will underpay to compensate for the Johnson trade. With the Warriors as the main suitor and willing to overpay even a little bit, Chicago will take whatever they can get as fast as possible to tank, picking up salary flexibility and a second in the process.
Warriors DC:
PG: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski SG: Andrew Wiggins, Talen Horton-Tucker, Lindy Waters II SF: Cam Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga PF: Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, Gui Santos C: Nikola Vucevic, Trayce-Jackson Davis
Golden State can compete with any team in the league with this lineup, and it easily puts them up there with any team from OKC to the Cavs to the Celtics matchup-wise. The bench seems scarcer, but in actuality they're simply adding that production to the starting lineup by upgrading on Hield and Anderson. Not having a playmaker will hurt a little but hopefully a smaller Podz role can fill that gap.