The Golden State Warriors have been thriving with Jimmy Butler, but whether this momentum will translate into a championship remains uncertain. If it falls short, the team could explore changes in the offseason.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed a trade that could help the Warriors address their lack of size in the frontcourt.
Proposed Trade:
Warriors Receive: Jakob Poeltl
Raptors Receive: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield
“With a core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga (restricted free agent), and Brandin Podziemski in place, the Warriors could use more size in the middle,” Swartz wrote.
Despite their strong lineup, the Warriors remain undersized compared to top Western Conference teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. Poeltl, averaging 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks this season, could provide the interior presence the Warriors currently lack.
“He’d be the perfect dirty-work player for a Golden State team that features plenty of scoring options,” Swartz added.
The Case for Trading Moses Moody
If the Warriors decide to extend Kuminga in the offseason, Moody might become expendable. The young forward is having the best stretch of his career, averaging 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and shooting 37.3% from deep during Kuminga’s absence.
However, Kuminga’s return could once again limit Moody’s minutes. The financial aspect is also a factor—the Warriors owe Curry, Butler, and Green a combined $140 million next season, and re-signing Kuminga for $30-35 million would push them deeper into luxury tax territory.
Meanwhile, the Raptors would gain much-needed shooting around Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, as Toronto ranks 29th in three-pointers made per game (11.4).
“Toronto ranks 29th overall in three-point makes per game (11.4), a stat both Hield and Moody would instantly help improve,” Swartz wrote.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Return & Rotation Challenge
Kuminga is set to return against the Sacramento Kings on March 13 after missing 32 games. But with Moody excelling as the starting power forward between Butler and Green, it remains to be seen how Steve Kerr will integrate Kuminga back into the rotation.
“It’s a really difficult thing when you are playing really well and then you have a key guy coming back,” Kerr said. “It’s always tough, so I think the idea is just bring him along slowly. Play him in short bursts. Help him get his rhythm back, but we’ve got to keep playing Gui Santos. We’ve got to keep playing the guys who are helping us win right now.”
If Kuminga struggles to find his role within this new Warriors lineup, could he, instead of Moody, become the odd man out in the offseason?
