Ranking Warriors' Top Trade Priorities Entering 2023

The Golden State Warriors have just over a month to decide how active they should be at the 2022-23 NBA trade deadline.

Truth be told, though, their decision could come much sooner.

They are three games into an eight-game homestand that features plenty of winnable matchups. If they keep rolling—they've started with three consecutive victories—that could be all the motivation this front office needs to further invest in this roster by adding reinforcements.

If the Dubs are buyers, the following three areas—ranked by significance—should have Golden State's full attention.

3. Backup Ball-Mover

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Chances are if you've heard anything about Golden State's bench this season, it hasn't been anything good. As far as net rating is concerned, this has been the Association's second-least efficient reserve unit, per NBA.com.

There are several reasons behind the struggles with the general lack of experience often cited as the biggest. You could argue, though, that a playmaking shortage has been the main culprit.

That's why this group fared a lot better once coach Steve Kerr began deploying Draymond Green with this unit. It's also why two-way player Ty Jerome has been getting more runs of late than 2021 lottery pick Moses Moody.

The Warriors need a table-setter to bring this bench together, and they should be able to find a more dynamic option than Jerome. Andre Iguodala has handled this role in the past, but since the 38-year-old has yet to make his debut, the Dubs probably shouldn't plan on him providing much of anything.

2. Perimeter Stopper

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TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 18: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors walks the court during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

In the span of a single season, the Warriors have plummeted from second to 19th in defensive efficiency, per NBA.com.

Again, you might want to pin this on the increased reliance on unproven youth. You could also point to a lack of chemistry with so many new players in the rotation.

The larger issue, though, might be the simplest: a decline in defensive talent. Last season's group could count on Gary Payton II to harass the opposing team's top guard and wreak all kinds of havoc on the basketball. This group doesn't have that type of tone-setting stopper in the backcourt.

Donte DiVincenzo is plucky on defense, but he's not as effective as Payton on the ball. Klay Thompson clearly lost some defensive zip upon losing back-to-back campaigns to major injuries. Jerome, Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole aren't out there for their defense. An on-ball guard stopper who isn't a complete zero on offense could carve out a fairly significant role in this rotation.

1. Frontcourt Depth

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 16: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

No surprises here, right?

The Warriors have two natural centers on the roster: Kevon Looney and James Wiseman. If both were producing at a high level, that could theoretically be enough, since Draymond Green and JaMychal Green can both man the middle as small-ball bigs.

However, only Looney passes that test. Wiseman, the No. 2 pick in 2020, lacks the instincts and awareness to consistently contribute to Golden State's read-and-react schemes.

The Warriors could take a big swing for someone like Jakob Poeltl or Myles Turner, but it doesn't have to be such a dramatic deal. With the incoming player unlikely to handle major minutes—Looney will still need his floor time, and those small-ball lineups aren't going away—Golden State could instead target someone who can simply be reliable for 15-ish minutes a night.