The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to midseason pivots, and as the Feb. 5 trade deadline looms, it’s becoming increasingly clear that another move might be on the horizon. Despite adding veteran big man Al Horford over the summer, Golden State still finds itself undersized and outmatched in the paint - and in today’s NBA, where size and athleticism are making a comeback, that’s a problem the front office can’t ignore.
The Warriors have long thrived on small-ball innovation, but this season, the lack of rim protection and rebounding has been glaring. They’re sitting in the bottom half of the league in both blocks and rebounds, and when it comes to points allowed in the paint, they’re dead last. That’s not just a stat - it’s a red flag for a team trying to claw its way back into title contention.
During a recent NBA on Prime broadcast, league insider Chris Haynes confirmed what many around the league have suspected: the Warriors are officially buyers. The goal? Add size, athleticism, and a defensive anchor in the middle.
“They’re looking for an athletic center,” Haynes said. “Rebounding, blocking shots - those are areas where they’re struggling. And they’re serious about trying to get back to a championship-caliber level.”
Haynes identified three potential targets the Warriors have their eyes on: Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks), Nick Claxton (Brooklyn Nets), and Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers). All three bring the kind of rim-running, shot-blocking presence that Golden State’s current rotation lacks.
Let’s break that down.
Daniel Gafford is a high-energy big who thrives as a lob threat and rim protector - exactly the kind of vertical spacing that could open things up for Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the half court. Nick Claxton, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the league’s better switchable bigs, capable of guarding multiple positions while still protecting the rim. And Robert Williams, when healthy, is a game-changer defensively - a true shot eraser with elite timing and bounce.
Each of these players brings a different flavor of what the Warriors need: athleticism, length, and a defensive presence that can complement their core. And let’s be honest - Golden State hasn’t had a true above-the-rim big since the days of JaVale McGee. Adding someone who can finish lobs, clean the glass, and erase mistakes on defense could unlock a new layer to the Warriors’ offense and give their defense some much-needed bite.
Of course, none of these players will come cheap. To land a quality center, Golden State will likely need to part with at least one rotation player, maybe more. But with Mike Dunleavy Jr. running the front office and Joe Lacob never shy about making a bold move, the Warriors are expected to be aggressive.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole - it’s about recalibrating a roster that still believes it has another deep playoff run in it. With Steph Curry still playing at an elite level and Draymond Green returning from suspension, the window isn’t closed yet. But if the Warriors want to keep it open, they’ll need to get bigger, tougher, and more athletic in the paint.
The message is clear: Golden State knows what it needs - and they’re ready to make a move to get it.