The Golden State Warriors are exploring the trade market with a clear objective: get bigger, get more athletic, and shore up a frontcourt that’s been a glaring weakness through the early part of the season.
According to NBA TV’s Chris Haynes, the Warriors are actively targeting centers who can bring length, mobility, and defensive presence to a roster that’s struggling to find consistency. Three names have emerged as top priorities: Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams III.
Let’s break down what each of these players could bring to the Bay.
Nic Claxton: The Ideal Fit-But Complicated Path
Claxton is the kind of modern center that would fit seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system-long, agile, a switchable defender who can alter shots at the rim and still move his feet on the perimeter. He’s shown flashes of offensive growth too, with some ability to stretch the floor, which is critical in Golden State’s motion-heavy offense.
But acquiring him won’t be easy. League chatter has linked Claxton to potential trade talks involving Jonathan Kuminga, but that scenario appears unlikely.
The Brooklyn Nets had the opportunity to pursue Kuminga during the offseason when he was a restricted free agent and didn’t bite. There’s no indication they’re interested in him now, which complicates any potential deal.
Daniel Gafford: A Three-Team Scenario in Play
Gafford’s name has surfaced in a more complex trade framework involving the Warriors, Mavericks, and Bulls. In this proposed deal, Golden State would land Gafford, Ayo Dosunmu, and a second-round pick from Chicago.
The price? Kuminga, rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis, and two second-rounders from Dallas would go to the Bulls.
Meanwhile, Dallas would receive Coby White.
This kind of deal would give the Warriors a rim-running big in Gafford who thrives as a lob threat and shot blocker-two things Golden State has sorely lacked. Dosunmu would also bring some much-needed backcourt depth and defensive versatility.
But parting with Kuminga, who has shown flashes of star potential, would be a big swing. It signals a win-now mindset in a season where the Warriors are still trying to find their footing.
Robert Williams III: The Injury Wild Card
Then there’s Robert Williams III, another name that’s popped up as a potential frontcourt target. When healthy, Williams is one of the league’s most disruptive defensive bigs-an elite shot blocker with great timing and verticality.
But that “when healthy” caveat looms large. Injuries have plagued his young career, and any team trading for him would have to weigh the upside against the risk.
Why the Warriors Are Looking Now
Golden State sits at 13-15 and is very much in the thick of the Western Conference logjam. But it’s clear this roster has issues.
The core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is aging, and the team has lacked size, rebounding, and consistent rim protection all season. In Steve Kerr’s system, traditional low-post bigs don’t really fit.
What the Warriors need is a center who can run the floor, defend in space, and ideally, stretch the defense by knocking down an occasional three.
Claxton checks most of those boxes. Gafford brings elite rim protection and vertical spacing.
Williams, if healthy, could be a game-changer defensively. Each option has its strengths-and its questions-but the Warriors know they have to act if they want to stay relevant in a loaded West.
The front office appears to be leaning toward buyers at the trade deadline. The question now is how much they’re willing to give up-and which of these big men they believe can help extend the Curry era just a little bit longer.