NBA Rumors: Warriors Believe Team is 'Well-Positioned' to Make Upgrade in Trade

As the Golden State Warriors continue to reshape their roster following the departure of Klay Thompson, the team could potentially make a move on the trade market at some point.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Warriors "believe they remain well-positioned" to make an upgrade in the "next year or so."

"Golden State is plotting its next moves in the wake of unsuccessful trade pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the offseason," Stein wrote. "Team officials believe they remain well-positioned for a trade upgrade at some point in the next year or so after responding to the free agent departure of Curry's longtime backcourt mate Klay Thompson by acquiring Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton on short-term deals and retaining all of their draft picks. The distinct sense at Chase Center is that the Clippers and Jazz, despite no shortage of conversation with both teams, did not really want to do business with the Warriors."

The Warriors saw Klay Thompson and Chris Paul depart from the team in the 2024 offseason and also failed in attempts to acquire Markkanen or lure George or other notable free agents. The biggest add has been Hield, who could see an increase in production from a larger role.

Currently, the Warriors will enter the season with a depleted version of a team that missed the postseason in 2023-24. That is a bit misleading, as their record was 46-36 in a strong Western Conference.

Adding another piece could flip this negative momentum, and when players become available in the near future, the Warriors should be viewed as a trade seeker.