The Golden State Warriors aren’t sitting on their hands as the trade market heats up - far from it. According to league sources, the front office has been one of the most active in probing potential deals, casting a wide net to determine who’s truly available as the February deadline inches closer. And while no blockbuster has landed yet, the Warriors have a clear sense of what they’re after: athleticism on the wing and a boost in the frontcourt.
Let’s start with the big man search. Golden State is reportedly eyeing a center who can protect the rim and clean the glass - two areas where their current rotation, including veterans like Al Horford and Quinten Post, hasn’t exactly excelled.
That’s not a knock on their skill sets - Horford brings a ton of experience and Post has shown flashes - but neither is a traditional rim protector or dominant rebounder. The Warriors are looking for someone who can fill that void and give them a physical presence inside.
Nic Claxton’s name has come up in recent weeks - and for good reason. He fits the defensive profile and has been linked to Golden State by multiple reports.
But there’s a catch: his next contract could push past the $15 million per year mark, and that’s a financial threshold the Warriors would prefer not to cross. With the luxury tax always looming in the Bay Area, they’re being strategic about who they pursue and what kind of deals they’re willing to take on.
Trade talks have already taken place with the Nets, Pelicans, and Bulls, though it’s still unclear which specific players were discussed. What’s clear is that Golden State is doing its homework, and they’re not afraid to pick up the phone.
Meanwhile, the situation with Jonathan Kuminga is becoming more intriguing by the day. The young forward has seen his minutes dwindle lately, and with his trade eligibility date of January 15 approaching, rival executives are starting to speculate. The question isn’t just whether the Warriors are willing to move Kuminga - it’s whether they’re showcasing him or protecting him ahead of a potential deal.
That said, executives around the league don’t seem overly concerned about his recent dip in playing time. According to those on the ground at the G League Winter Showcase in Orlando, Kuminga’s value isn’t likely to rise or fall based on his next few appearances. Teams know what kind of upside he brings - athleticism, defensive versatility, and flashes of scoring - and that’s not going to change overnight.
As for a potential destination, Sacramento has been floated as a possible trade partner, but don’t count on a Kuminga-to-Kings deal just yet. Unless a third team jumps in to shake things up, that scenario appears unlikely.
The Warriors reportedly aren’t enamored with what the Kings are offering, including guard Malik Monk. Despite being available, Monk hasn’t generated much league-wide interest, largely due to his contract - he’s still owed nearly $42 million over the next two seasons after this one.
That’s a big number for a player who’s struggled to find consistent traction as a trade asset.
Elsewhere in the Pacific Division, the Clippers are keeping tabs on the market too. One name that’s come up in connection with L.A. is CJ McCollum.
While he’s currently with the Wizards, there’s a belief around the league that he could be had for a relatively modest return - potentially just second-round picks. His $30.7 million cap hit is steep, but it’s an expiring deal, which makes it a little easier to stomach for a team looking to make a playoff push without long-term financial baggage.
The Clippers wouldn’t have much trouble matching that salary either. They could start with John Collins’ $26.6 million expiring contract or piece together a deal using multiple players, like Bogdan Bogdanovic, who’s making $16.2 million this season. There are paths to making the math work.
Still, don’t expect any seismic shifts involving Kawhi Leonard or James Harden. Despite some outside speculation, the Clippers continue to shut down any talk of moving their veteran stars. Teams around the league may be hopeful that Harden, at least, could become available, but for now, L.A. is keeping its core intact.
Bottom line: the Warriors are active, the Clippers are lurking, and the trade chatter around the Pacific Division is only getting louder. With the deadline just weeks away, this is the time of year when conversations turn into offers - and offers turn into deals. Stay tuned.