Warriors may get 3 key players in trade with Nets and Hornets

According to US sports media F/W Sidante Gupta. The Golden State Warriors are a team that is revamping the entire lineup. While the team has identified the key location upgrades they need to make, it is clear that promoting this is not easy. The Warriors looked like a relatively mediocre team when they entered the regular season. It was only after Butler was acquired that the Golden State Warriors suddenly became a potential Western Conference champion contender.

Although they are ready for a steady record in the playoffs, the tragedy happened in the second round after a convincing defeat of the second-seeded Houston Rockets. Curry's injury actually wiped out any chance of the Warriors' victory over the Timberwolves, and despite their heroic battles, they were sent away in five games. It's clear that the Warriors need more roster depth, especially when it comes to wing guards and big men. While several players have connections with the team, even superstars like Antetokounmpo don’t have much to give the Golden State Warriors a future framework. With players like Kuminga becoming the headlines of Warriors’ trade negotiations, it also became an ideal opportunity for the team to make the most of the striker’s contract by bringing rewards. Let's take a look at the three-team trade proposals for the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets:

Warriors: Cam Johnson, Marvel, Okogie

Nets: Kumingga, Hilder, 2028 first-round pick

Hornets: Moody, TJD, 2032 first-round pick

Warriors' offseason plan is realized

For the Golden State Warriors, this deal is a strategic victory on multiple levels. The 2024-25 season exposed the Warriors’ biggest flaws: unstable wings, limited rim protection, and lack of influence from the young core besides Kuminga.

By sending away Kumingga and others, the Warriors consolidated their assets into a reasonable lineup for Curry, Green and Butler. Mawei immediately solved a major problem: the Warriors lacked reasonable frame protection and inside. With Looney’s role declining and TJD is immature, Mawei can solve that problem; he is already one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, and his defensive instinct and height make him priceless in the Western Conference.

Players like Cam Johnson fill in some way the outside shots are vacant for Thompson and Hilder. Although not as explosive as Hilder, Johnson is a high IQ player who has performed well in off-ball, which is exactly the style of the Warriors' offense. He can seamlessly get into the Warriors’ second or fourth roster, and his ability to knock down corner threes and convert defenses provides key two-way value. Johnson has a career average of 39% from outside the 3-point line, which can open up space while also providing playoff experience and position versatility. Okogie brings elite outside defense, which are traits the Warriors lack on the bench.

Nets have the opportunity to train a superstar

Nets gained a new cornerstone player to open up playing time and development space, especially Kuminga. The 22-year-old has performed relatively consistently this season, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His stats have dropped due to injuries and reduced playing time. He is likely leaving mainly due to his dissatisfaction with the Warriors organization. The Nets have become his ideal market for cultivating talents. As a wing scorer who is good at creating shots, the Nets can provide the best environment for him to grow into a superstar.

Hilder provides the Nets with another tradeable veteran or a much-needed sharpshooter to help the young core. Adding the 2028 first-round pick to the trade package is the Nets will try to make the most of it and rebuild, or accumulate enough draft capital to bring in superstars.

The Charlotte Hornets continue to rebuild

The Charlotte Hornets are one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. While they have some talented players, it is obvious that they always fail.

With the departure of Marvel and Okogie, the Hornets will welcome Moody's and TJD's substitutes. Despite the possible slight loss of talent, the Hornets have acquired two very durable players who can stay for a long time. Although Moody was unstable, he showed strong defensive instincts and shooting without the ball in the Warriors. He is perfect for being a backup for Ball or Miller. If the Hornets adopt a patient development model, Moody's could grow into a reliable rotation player with more responsibility.

TJD is expected to become a reliable big man with a lot of room for rebounding. His athletic and mobility make him the best choice for Ball. He also provided enough depth in the frontcourt to stabilize the bench. In addition, the first round pick in 2032 will be a supplement to the Hornets’ overall pick reserve. This may be used to move in a different direction at some point in the future.

What do you think of this tripartite transaction?