Golden State Warriors: A Few Crazy Trades That Might Make Sense

It's that time of year again!

We're nearing the NBA draft (next week), and the subsequent off-season insanity of free agent signings and potential trades that can make or break your season.

You saw what it did for the Boston Celtics this year. From zero to hero in slightly over 100 games.

Earlier, I wrote about the fact that the Warriors need to do something big to make any real push into contention. Below, I'll throw out some crazy ideas that might just make some sense to help them get there.

1. Shawn Marion for Baron Davis

One thing that I mentioned in one of my previous articles was that the Warriors need an athletic, defensive small-forward. Stephen Jackson has been fantastic (one of his best years, last season), but he is getting slowed by foot problems. It may be time to consider options, especially if there are upgrades available.

One such example comes from Tim Kawakami (of the San Jose Mercury News), who threw out an idea to trade Baron Davis for Shawn Marion straight-up.

Their respective salaries match up, and this does make sense from Miami's side. If they add Beasley as their new PF this year.

I'd hate to give up Baron personally, though Marion is an intriguing addition to a team that truly lacks defense. He hustles a ton for rebounds and fills up the stat sheet with even blocked shots. That could potentially cover a lot of the holes that Golden State has today.

Ellis and a draft pick for Marion might be an option as well. However, it seems even less likely, given that Miami would have to start two combo guards (no point-guard); and Ellis loses the "hometown connection."

2. Draft Brandon Rush

Another more reasonable alternative to getting Marion might include drafting Brandon Rush at #14. Rush is 6'7" and has a good wing-span. He has the size and speed to come in and provide defense in even his first season (while learning to use his other tools).

While he isn't Marion, he could learn under Stephen Jackson's tutelage and become a replacement for Pietrus, who is likely leaving. Jackson and maybe Biedrins have been the only ones leading the tough-minded defense (though we've had steals and filled up passing lanes with others).

The steals and rotations still need to improve, but alongside that, brute force intimidators in the mold of Battier, Bowen and Raja Bell would be of great help. Jackson still has that mentality, and maybe he can pass it on to a younger protege.

There are other big men and options in the draft. But at #14, Rush is realistically still on the board, and he is a proven winner, as a National Champion at Kansas.

3. Trade Al Harrington for Jose Calderon OR TJ Ford with Joey Graham

The Raptors lost Jorge Garbajosa. The Warriors need a point-guard (at least a back-up) and Toronto has two (one of which has to leave Toronto, certainly this year). Calderon seems unlikely to be traded, given his excellent 2007-2008 season (high assist-to-turnover ratio), but TJ Ford definitely appears available.

To make the salaries match up, the Warriors could also take Joey Graham, who hasn't been amazing in Toronto. But, he could be a solid back-up small forward to replace Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus, should they both leave.

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