The Golden State Warriors might be backing off any serious pursuit of Anthony Davis ahead of next month’s trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean their work is done. In fact, the Atlanta Hawks’ ongoing interest in Davis might just open a backdoor opportunity for Golden State to address a more pressing need: a legitimate upgrade at the center spot.
Enter Onyeka Okongwu.
The 25-year-old big man is having a career year in Atlanta, logging more minutes and showing more versatility than ever before. And while there's no direct link between Okongwu and the Warriors at this point, his name has surfaced in trade chatter - most notably with Indiana reportedly making a call to the Hawks about his availability. If he’s even remotely on the table, Golden State should be dialing Atlanta immediately.
Let’s break down why.
Okongwu’s Rise and Fit with the Warriors
Through 31 starts this season, Okongwu is averaging 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists - all career highs. But it’s not just the raw numbers that stand out.
It’s how he’s getting them. The former USC standout has added a legitimate three-point shot to his arsenal, knocking down 36.4% from beyond the arc on over five attempts per game.
That’s not just a nice bonus - it’s a game-changer for a Warriors team that still leans heavily on spacing and ball movement, especially with veterans like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in the frontcourt.
That shooting touch is a big reason why second-year center Quinten Post has found himself in the starting lineup. Steve Kerr clearly values floor spacing at the five, but Post’s limited minutes suggest the coaching staff isn’t fully sold on him as a long-term solution.
Okongwu, on the other hand, brings a more complete and polished game. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and move well enough to switch defensively - the kind of modern center that fits Golden State’s system like a glove.
The Contract and the Cost
Okongwu is in the second year of a four-year, $62 million deal - a team-friendly contract that makes him even more appealing from a front office perspective. At $15 million this season, he fits snugly into the Warriors’ mid-tier trade range, and that opens the door to some interesting possibilities.
One name that continues to hover in trade speculation is Jonathan Kuminga. While Golden State has been reluctant to part with the young forward, his recent surge in value could make him a key piece in a larger deal. If the Mavericks, who reportedly have interest in Kuminga, are looped into a three-team framework, the Warriors could potentially land Okongwu while helping facilitate Davis to Atlanta and Kuminga to Dallas.
It’s not the kind of blockbuster move that grabs headlines, but sometimes the most impactful trades are the ones that don’t scream “superstar.” Okongwu isn’t a household name - yet - but his skill set, age, and contract make him a quietly perfect fit for what the Warriors need right now.
Why It Makes Sense Now
Golden State’s window isn’t closed, but it’s not wide open either. With the veteran core aging and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, the Warriors need to make moves that keep them in the playoff mix without mortgaging their future. Okongwu checks a lot of boxes: he’s young, improving, financially manageable, and fits stylistically with the way Golden State plays.
If the Hawks’ pursuit of Davis makes Okongwu even slightly expendable, the Warriors should be ready to pounce. This isn’t just about adding depth - it’s about finding a long-term solution at center who can contribute right away.
And for a team still trying to squeeze the most out of its championship DNA, that kind of move could make all the difference.