It wouldn’t be the beginning of a new NBA season without non-stop trade speculation regarding various assets.
Although the Golden State Warriors have every reason to be excited about Al Horford anchoring their frontcourt this year, Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe believes that adding a three-time All-Star center who played alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami (Heat) before the trade deadline would be a smart move.
“(Bam) Adebayo will start a three-year, $160.8 million extension in 2026-27, but he's only set to make $37 million this season, which means he's theoretically acquirable for Golden State without having to give up Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, or former Heat teammate Jimmy Butler,” O’Keefe wrote Sunday.
“Here's what a potential offer from the Warriors could look like (Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, 2028 and 2032 first-round picks to the Miami Heat for Adebayo and Pelle Larson).”
“Being able to add Adebayo to the star veteran trio of Curry, Butler, and Green would make Golden State look far more formidable and immediately increase their chances of winning a championship in the short term.”
Adebayo is coming off another impressive season in South Beach, as the Kentucky product poured in 18.1 points and grabbed 9.6 rebounds per game on 48.5% field goal shooting and 35.7% three-point shooting.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Whether using his gifted lateral quickness for a big man to neutralize guards on the perimeter (when switched onto them), operating like a backcourt contributor at times thanks to his ability to handle the ball with and without pressure, lob catching jobs, and quick-twitch low post skill set, Adebayo reminds naysayers why he’s perceived as a franchise-elevating asset on the trade market.
Assuming the 28-year-old continues to improve as a long-range shooter, he, like Horford, would make life hectic for opponents while playing two-man basketball with Stephen Curry in the Bay.
Keep an eye out for a potential groundbreaking trade involving Adebayo and the Warriors this season.
More NBA: Warriors sign 27-year-old Summer League defensive star, former Cavaliers cen