Dealing to tank
The Warriors don’t need any good fortune given their dynasty in recent years, winning three Larry O’Brien trophies and playing for five straight.
Regardless, it doesn’t look like the Warriors will contend for a sixth straight Finals appearance. The playoffs are even in question with Curry and Thompson both out. Still, a talented core remains with Russell and Michigan State Spartan Draymond Green.
The Warriors gave up their 2020 first round pick to the Nets in the sign-and-trade that landed them Russell for Kevin Durant, granted it’s Top 20 protected and likely won’t convey this year. But the key part of that deal is the Warriors took on Russell because they wanted something in return for Durant.
It would’ve made more sense for them to trade him this season if Curry and Thompson were healthy. But with them both out, would they be willing to pivot and go full-on tank?
Here’s what a potential deal could look like if they choose to tank, though it wouldn’t be completed until Dec. 15th due to Russell and Cauley-Stein signing as free agents last summer.
Why the Warriors do it
If the Warriors are to embrace the tank, they get a little re-set with cap relief by acquiring $29.2 million in expiring contracts, if they choose not to re-sign Thon Maker in restricted free agency. They also add a pair of first-round picks, which will allow them to add a young core to go with prospect Sekou Doumbouya.
He’s a player that needs to be developed, only at 18-years-old, but the picks in 2020 and 2022 would allow Golden State to draft win-now prospects and go for it in 2021 and beyond with a healthy roster.
Why the Pistons do it
This is clearly a best-case scenario for the Pistons. Russell’s talent will be paired with Blake Griffin and Drummond for several years, giving Detroit a strong core to compete in the Eastern Conference moving forward.
Cauley-Stein is an underrated asset coming Detroit’s way in a potential deal because Maker and Christian Wood dwell in comparison defensively compared to the fifth-year player out of Kentucky.