Ranking The Golden State Warriors' Most Valuable Trade Assets

The Golden State Warriors are in a transitional phase, trying to balance their aging core with a younger supporting cast. With Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level, the Warriors aim to maximize their championship window. However, they face challenges, such as Klay Thompson leaving for Dallas and financial constraints with their salary cap. The front office has been active, bringing in players like Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield, but there's still a need to explore trade options to strengthen their roster. Let's dive into who their most valuable trade assets are as they strategize for another title run.

1. Jonathan Kuminga - $7.6 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $7.6 million

Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as one of the Warriors' most intriguing young talents. Drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has shown flashes of his immense potential with his athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring ability. At just 22 years old, he remains a significant part of the Warriors' future plans but also represents a valuable trade asset given his upside and manageable contract.

In the 2023-24 season, Kuminga averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over 74 games. His shooting improved, with a field goal percentage of 52.9% and a three-point percentage of 32.1%. These numbers reflect his growth as a player, particularly in terms of consistency and decision-making on the court.

Kuminga's athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile defensive asset. His ability to switch onto guards and wings alike fits well into the Warriors' defensive schemes, which rely heavily on flexibility and quick rotations. Offensively, his explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim provide an additional scoring punch off the bench.

However, the Warriors will need to consider Kuminga's contract situation soon. After the 2024-25 season, Kuminga will be a restricted free agent (RFA), meaning the Warriors can match any offer he receives from other teams. This impending need for a contract extension adds another layer to his trade value. Teams trading for him would have the opportunity to secure a talented young player long-term, but they would also need to be prepared to offer him a substantial extension to keep him on their roster.

2. Brandin Podziemski - $3.5 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $3.5 million

Salary 2025-26: $3.7 million

Salary 2026-27: $3.9 million

Salary 2027-28: $4.2 million (Team Option )

Brandin Podziemski, the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has quickly shown his potential as a valuable asset for the Warriors. Known for his sharpshooting and high basketball IQ, Podziemski has become a reliable contributor off the bench. His rookie season stats are promising, with averages of 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game over 74 games. His shooting splits include 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, showcasing his efficiency and ability to stretch the floor.

Podziemski's rookie contract is quite team-friendly, with a salary of $3.5 million for the 2024-25 season, escalating to $3.7 million in 2025-26, $3.9 million in 2026-27, and $4.2 million in 2027-28 if the team exercises their option. This manageable salary makes him an attractive trade piece, especially for teams looking to add young talent without a significant financial commitment.

The Warriors must decide how to best utilize Podziemski's potential. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and a mix of veterans and young players, Podziemski could either continue to develop into a key rotational player for Golden State or be leveraged in a trade to acquire more immediate help. His adaptability and growth will be crucial in determining his long-term role.

Interestingly, the Warriors were involved in trade talks with the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen, where they refused to include Podziemski in the deal . This decision underscores how highly they value him as a part of their future plans and his potential impact on the team's success.

3. Andrew Wiggins - $26.3 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $26.3 million

Salary 2025-26: $28.2 million

Salary 2026-27: $30.2 million (Player Option)

Andrew Wiggins has been a crucial player for the Warriors since his acquisition in 2020. Known for his scoring ability and defensive versatility, Wiggins has consistently delivered solid performances. However, his 2023-24 season was marked by challenges, including averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game over 71 games, a decrease from previous seasons. His shooting percentages were 45.3% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range.

Wiggins' contract is substantial, with $26.3 million in 2024-25, $28.2 million in 2025-26, and a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27. This hefty financial commitment is seen as too much for a player averaging just 13 points per game. Additionally, Wiggins had a down year defensively and missed several games due to personal issues.

Recent trade rumors indicate that the Warriors are actively looking to move Wiggins, especially since they did not allow him to participate in the Olympics with Team Canada to avoid injury risks and maintain his trade value. The Warriors are hoping to leverage his contract to acquire more reliable talent or multiple assets.

In the end, Andrew Wiggins' significant contract and mixed performance make him a challenging trade asset. His scoring and defensive potential still hold value, but his salary and recent issues may deter potential trade partners. The Warriors must navigate these factors to maximize their return and support their championship aspirations.

4. Draymond Green - $24.1 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $24.1 million

Salary 2025-26: $25.9 million

Salary 2026-27: $27.7 million (Player Option)

Draymond Green has been a cornerstone of the Warriors' success, renowned for his defensive skills, playmaking, and leadership. However, his 2023-24 season saw challenges, with averages of 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game over 55 games. Green missed several games due to personal issues, which affected his consistency and overall impact on the court.

Green’s current contract is substantial, with $24.1 million for the 2024-25 season, $25.9 million for 2025-26, and a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27. Given his declining performance and the hefty financial commitment, this contract is seen as a significant burden. His defensive impact has also diminished, making his high salary harder to justify.

Recently, there have been rumors about the Warriors potentially trading Green. The team is exploring various trade scenarios, especially considering Green's high salary and inconsistent performance. Despite his importance to the team, the Warriors might leverage Green’s contract to acquire younger talent or multiple assets to support their core players.

Green's contract and mixed performance this season make him a challenging but potentially valuable trade asset. While his leadership and experience are significant, his salary and recent personal issues complicate potential trades. The Warriors will need to navigate these factors carefully to maximize their return and maintain their championship aspirations.

5. Moses Moody - $5.8 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $5.8 million (Team Option)

Moses Moody, selected 14th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown significant promise with the Golden State Warriors. Known for his versatility and shooting ability, Moody has steadily developed into a reliable role player for the team. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game over 66 games. His shooting percentages were solid, with 46.2% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc.

Moody’s contract for the 2024-25 season is valued at $5.8 million, which is the final year of his team option. Like Jonathan Kuminga, Moody will be a restricted free agent (RFA) after this season, meaning the Warriors will need to decide whether to extend his contract and keep him long-term. This impending need for a contract extension adds another layer to his trade value.

The Warriors have faced various challenges this season, and there have been discussions about potentially trading Moody to acquire more immediate help or additional draft assets. His development trajectory suggests that he could become a more significant contributor with increased playing time, making him a valuable piece for rebuilding teams or contenders needing depth.

Moody’s $5.8 million contract and his solid performance make him one of the Warriors' most valuable trade assets. His shooting ability, defensive versatility, and team-friendly deal position him as an attractive option for teams looking to add a promising young player to their roster.

Related: Golden State Warriors' Biggest Mistakes In 2024 Offseason

6. Trayce Jackson-Davis - $1.8 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $1.8 million

Salary 2025-26: $2.2 million (Team Option)

Salary 2026-27: $2.4 million (Team Option)

Trayce Jackson-Davis, a promising young forward for the Warriors, was selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Known for his athleticism and rebounding ability, Jackson-Davis has shown potential as a valuable role player. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over 68 games. His efficiency is noteworthy, with a field goal percentage of 70.2%, highlighting his ability to finish around the rim.

Jackson-Davis’ contract is very team-friendly, with a salary of $1.8 million for the 2024-25 season, $2.2 million for 2025-26, and $2.4 million for 2026-27, both as team options. This makes him an attractive trade asset, especially for teams looking to add young, affordable talent. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, combined with his contract, adds significant value.

The Warriors must decide how to best utilize Jackson-Davis' potential. With their current roster dynamics and financial constraints, they might consider leveraging his trade value to acquire more immediate help or additional draft assets. His development trajectory suggests he could become a more significant contributor with increased playing time, making him a valuable piece for rebuilding teams or contenders needing depth.

7. Kyle Anderson - $8.8 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $8.8 million

Salary 2025-26: $9.2 million

Salary 2026-27: $9.7 million

Kyle Anderson joined the Warriors this year on a three-year, $27.6 million deal. Known for his high basketball IQ, defensive skills, and versatility, Anderson has already made an impact on the team. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game over 73 games, shooting 46.0% from the field and 22.9% from beyond the arc.

While there are no current trade rumors surrounding Anderson, given that he just joined the team, he could be included in trade discussions around the deadline as a valuable salary-matching piece. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively makes him an attractive asset for teams looking to bolster their roster.

Anderson’s solid all-around performance makes him one of the Warriors' most valuable trade assets. His defensive capabilities, playmaking, and team-friendly deal position him as an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable and versatile player.

8. De’Anthony Melton - $12.8 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $12.8 million

De’Anthony Melton joined the Golden State Warriors in 2024 on a one-year, $12.8 million contract. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories, Melton has been a solid addition to the Warriors' backcourt. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game over 78 games, showcasing his versatility and defensive impact.

Melton’s contract, which is set at $12.8 million for the 2024-25 season, is significant but manageable given his level of production. His ability to play both guard positions and his defensive capabilities make him an attractive trade asset. Teams looking for a versatile guard who can defend well and provide steady offensive contributions would find Melton appealing.

Currently, there are no significant trade rumors surrounding Melton, as he just joined the team. However, his contract and performance could make him a valuable piece in potential trade discussions around the deadline, especially if the Warriors look to make a move to enhance their playoff prospects.

9. Buddy Hield - $8.8 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $8.8 million

Salary 2025-26: $9.2 million

Salary 2026-27: $9.7 million

Salary 2027-28: $10.1 million (Player Option)

Buddy Hield joined the Warriors this year via a sign-and-trade deal , expected to enhance the team's perimeter shooting. Known for his accuracy from beyond the arc, Hield's role in the Warriors' system is crucial, given their reliance on spacing and three-point shooting.

Last season, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. His contract, set at $8.8 million for the upcoming season, escalates to $10.1 million by 2027-28 if he exercises his player option.

Hield’s integration into the Warriors' lineup has been smooth, and his ability to stretch the floor complements their style of play. Although there are no immediate trade rumors involving Hield, his contract and shooting prowess could make him a valuable piece in future trade discussions, particularly as the team evaluates its needs closer to the trade deadline.

10. Gary Payton II - $9.1 Million Contract

Salary 2024-25: $9.1 million

Gary Payton II, re-acquired by the Warriors during the 2022-23 season, has been a valuable piece for their defensive scheme. Known for his perimeter defense and versatility, Payton has solidified his role within the team. For the 2024-25 season, Payton opted into his $9.1 million player option, ensuring his stay with the Warriors for at least another year.

In the 2023-24 season, Payton averaged 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game in 44 appearances. Despite dealing with injuries, his impact on the court was significant, particularly on the defensive end where his energy and ability to guard multiple positions stood out.

Given his recent contract decision, Payton's name hasn't been prominent in trade rumors. However, his contract, combined with his defensive prowess, could make him a valuable asset in trade discussions, especially as the Warriors look to manage their luxury tax situation and potentially acquire additional pieces to bolster their roster for another championship run.

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