The Golden State Warriors are one of the only teams in the NBA this offseason yet to add a player, thanks to Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency.
Once that resolves itself, Golden State is expected to make a flurry of signings, including veterans Al Horford, Seth Curry, Gary Payton II, and De'Anthony Melton.
While these players will certainly help the Warriors this season, it leaves their frontcourt incredibly veteran-heavy, relying on a 35-year-old Draymond Green and a 39-year-old Horford as your main options.
Warriors Trade Idea Lands Jazz Center Walker Kessler
In a mock trade proposed by Athlon Sports' Nathaniel Holloway, the Warriors would inject some youth into their frontcourt by landing Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who is only 24 years old.
Utah Jazz receive: Buddy Hield, draft capital
Golden State Warriors receive: Walker Kessler
"For the Warriors, moving on from Hield would be a tough decision for them to make as he is one of the best 3-point shooters on their roster who played a key role for them last season," wrote Holloway.
"Despite this, swapping him and draft capital for Kessler would be a massive boost for Golden State’s frontcourt and big man would also give them a key young player to build around in the future."
Hield was a solid contributor for Golden State last year, but they can replace him in the aggregate with both (Seth) Curry and Melton as late free agency additions.
Kessler would provide something the Warriors don't have, which is youth at the center position.
Last season, the UNC and Auburn product averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.3% from the field in 58 games played for the tanking Jazz. Playing for a contender would be a great change of pace for the youngster and allow him to show off his talent on a national stage.
If the Warriors want to make a win-now trade while also getting an injection of youth into their starting lineup, they should give Utah a call and see what it would take to pry the young center away from the Jazz.
More Warriors news:
- Jonathan Kuminga reportedly skipped out on Warriors player-led team activities
- Warriors get bad news as Jonathan Kuminga situation nears conclusion
- Warriors trade idea ships out Jonathan Kuminga for former Sixth Man of the Year runner-up
- Warriors almost selected this ascending star over Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft