The Golden State Warriors are always looking to make a major move to really knock the dust off the ol' franchise. Sometimes -- the Baron Davis trade -- it happens. Sometimes -- Kevin Garnett, anyone? -- it does not. Sometimes, the Warriors think that it's happened, but it turns out to be a mirage. (I'm looking at you, David Lee acquisition.)
NBA Trade Deadline 2012: Warriors Intent On Major Splash, Per Usual
This time, the big prize is Dwight Howard, the bait for any deal is Monta Ellis and the destination is probably something like Brandon Rush for Aaron Gray.
NEEDS & TARGETS
The Warriors are purported to need a big man, though the Lee-Ekpe Udoh tandem looks just fine to me. Udoh has turned into a pretty nice prospect in his second season, especially on defense, where he looks like a potential anchor for the long haul. Lee can score, and while there are a number of better power forward scorers than Lee and better defensive anchors than Udoh, I’m not sure why you focus attention there instead of the defensive inept backcourt and wing.
Per 82games.com, opposing small forwards have an effective field goal percentage of .547 against Golden State's small forwards, which is every flavor of absurd. A shutdown wing could do wonders for this team, and given that Klay Thompson has been decent at the two-guard and small forward, pawning Ellis for a solid small forward could pay off.
Unfortunately, small forward might be the toughest position to come by right now.
You'd expect that Lee is also available, and that Stephen Curry could be made available for the right All-Star. Rumors suggest that Golden State turned down a Curry-Rajon Rondo deal this season.
SALARY CAP SITUATION
Like many teams, the Warriors sit just below the salary cap level at $57 million, according to ShamSports.com. The team has a major commitment to Curry a year away, overlapping with the big contracts owned by Ellis and dead weight Andris Biedrins for one season, which happens to be the first season of the more punitive luxury tax.
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