NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Waiting for 'True Difference-Maker' to Become Available

The Golden State Warriors do not appear willing to force a trade just for the sake of shaking up their roster.

Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that while the Warriors would "love" to make a splashy move for a star and are willing to, the lack of a true "difference-maker" on the market means that the team will wait for one to become available:

"Would Golden State love to make a big impact move now? Of course. Over the past decade, the Warriors have shown a willingness to make a swing for a star, and sources have said that hasn't changed. What is clear: There is no player available via trade right now who will change Golden State's fortunes enough to spark a run into the West's top six. Rather than the approach the Suns are taking, the Warriors are willing to wait until a true difference-maker becomes available. While they could make a move similar to the one that brought them Dennis Schroder from Brooklyn last month, they've shown little inclination to do anything bigger."

Golden State is currently 22-22 and sits in 11th in the Western Conference. The Warriors are half-a-game back of the final play-in tournament spot and are three games back in the quest for the No. 6 seed to avoid the play-in tournament. Golden State is 4-6 in its last 10 games.

Steph Curry remains a robust producer, averaging 22.6 points, 6.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 36 games.

Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga have had solid starts to the season as well, averaging 17.0 and 16.8 points respectively, but the lack of another dynamic threat has been tough in the wake of Klay Thompson's departure for the Dallas Mavericks.

The Warriors addressed some depth issues with the acquisition of Dennis Schröder but adding a big-time contributor could be what the team needs to truly contend in the competitive Western Conference. While nobody on the current trade market may fit that description perfectly, more players may become available as the Feb. 6 trade deadline draws closer.

If that happens, the Warriors should be among the likely suitors.