The Golden State Warriors are a team in dire need of another superstar. Although Stephen Curry remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA, the Dubs don't have a consistent secondary star who could unfailingly help the "Chef." Athletic wingmen Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga's productions come and go. At the same time, All-Rookie team member Brandin Podziemski continues to learn the ropes of the pro game heading to his sophomore season.
One player who could have significantly bolstered the team was nine-time All-Star Paul George , whom the Warriors actively pursued in a potential trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers . As PG-13 detailed in the latest episode of "Podcast P," the deal was on the verge of completion, and he was eager to join one of the most dominant squads of the past decade, potentially transforming the Warriors into an even more formidable force.
A close call
The Warriors were reportedly determined to complete a deal before the deadline for PG-13 to accept or decline his $48 million player option. The Dubs' front office showed relentless commitment, exhausting all efforts to convince the Clippers to make a deal with them. They enticed the latter with various packages centered around Wiggins—an All-Star wingman—Chris Paul, Moses Moody, and several draft picks.
However, Golden State was hesitant about including Kuminga in any trade, which might have been the dealbreaker for the Clippers.
"That was a real thing that was close to being done. That deal was close to being done from what I was being told on the situation, they was expressing just how much they wanted me there, how I could have fit in perfectly with Draymond, Steph, Podziemski, Kuminga, Wiggins," the six-time All-NBA team member shared .
The prospect of playing in the Bay Area was intriguing for the former Fresno State star, who wanted to stay on the West Coast and be near his family.
"It was very intriguing and it was still an opportunity to stay close to home, stay on the West Coast, and it was a win-win," Paul remarked.
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Looked forward to being on the Dubs
If the transaction had pushed through, PG would have been a perfect fit for the Dubs. A two-way stud who shot 38% from three last season, the 6-foot-9 wingman would have given the Warriors a bona fide superstar to pair with Steph, a potential that the audience can only imagine now.
However, the Clippers weren't willing to play ball, and Paul declined his player option, closing the door for the Warriors to acquire him via trade. PG-13 eventually signed a four-year, $212 million max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
"I think Steph is a unicorn," the native of Palmdale, California, quipped. "So it was kind of like a good situation to be in the middle of, but ultimately, the deal didn't go through. It just didn't happen, but it was close. It'd been dope, man. I was looking forward to it if it happened."
It was a disappointing end to the Warriors' brief chase of one of the league's legitimate two-way superstars. While PG now prepares to begin his tenure in the "City of Brotherly Love," the Dubs continue to look for ways to improve their roster heading into the new season.
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