NBA Rumors: 4 Moves That Would Make Golden State Contenders

The Golden State Warriors haven't done themselves any favors by starting off the season with a mediocre 7-12 record, but, with a strong nucleus, the team can make a push for the playoffs by making a couple of key moves.

With point guard Stephen Curry frequently injured and the emergence of the second unit, the Warriors might want to move the highly touted Curry while his stock is high.

There are blockbuster deals hiding out there that could create a big splash in the NBA that the Warriors could facilitate. For example, maybe the Lakers and Magic could use some help to complete a trade bringing Dwight Howard to Los Angeles.

These deals could push the Warriors out of their lottery days this year and get the team back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Trade for Chris Kaman

Although some speculate that Golden State won't have what it takes to trade for New Orleans Hornets' center Chris Kaman, I think it's still possible to see the Hornets get desperate and move Kaman before the trade deadline.

According to contracosatimes.com, the Hornets are looking for expiring contracts, draft picks and young talent.

The Warriors could make an intriguing offer that just might entice the Hornets. 

For Kaman, the Warriors could send New Orleans the slow project that is Ekpe Udoh, the sixth overall draft pick from 2010, who averages four points and 3.6 rebounds per game. The Warriors would most likely have to add in a draft choice, but it would be worth it for the former NBA All-Star.

Kaman would beef up the frontcourt with Kwame Brown out, and his insertion at center would relieve David Lee and allow him to play at his more natural power forward spot.

Re-Sign Brandon Rush

Brandon Rush was brought in by the Warriors after his three years as an Indiana Pacer. Rush is doing a nice job coming off the bench and has a distinct role. Rush comes into the game to play good defense and hit threes.

Having such a solid role player is good for a team that is working to make a playoff run. If the Warriors re-sign Rush they know they have a guy who has playoff experience (last year as a Pacer against the Bulls), who also led Kansas to the 2008 NCAA National Championship.

In other words the guy's a winner.

According to the San Francisco Chronicles' Rusty Simmons, Rush likes being a Warrior and wants to stay.

Rush's best game was perhaps last night, a 93-90 win over the Sacramento Kings. Rush had a season-high 20 points and tied another season high with six rebounds. His consistent play, as Simmons mentions, should earn him a new contract and move the team forward.

Move Stephen Curry While His Stock Is High

This may seem like a drastic move. Usually when there are trade speculations with Golden State, they're about moving Monta Ellis out to make room for Curry to grow.

Though Curry is a better three-point shooter, Ellis leads the team in points and assists. Also, the demand for Curry would be higher than for Ellis because of age and character issues.

The Warriors should move Curry before any more bad news comes about his surgically repaired ankle, which is still sore after he plays on it, according to Rusty Simmons.

For all of these reasons, the Warriors could hang Curry out on the trade market and see if they could be a third part of a blockbuster deal.

An example would be all the rumors about Dwight Howard's potentially becoming a Laker. The Warriors could make things very interesting.

If he were to be sent to the Lakers, the Warriors might garner Pau Gasol, or, if it were to Orlando, the Warriors could pick up Jameer Nelson and a complimentary player.

Though I made up this trade scenario, with the Warriors looking to make the playoffs this year, a blockbuster deal is not out of the question.

Do Something with Andris Biedrins

Andris Biedrins has started all 16 games that he's played this season, but only averages 17 minutes per game. Rookie NBA coach Mark Jackson reportedly has a good relationship with Biedrins, but I don't see how.

Jackson needs to make the decision on whether or not Biedrins is in the teams' plans for the future, or even the present. If Jackson wants Biedrins to produce he has to give him more than 17 minutes of playing time.

Between '06 and '09, Biedrins averaged 28.7 minutes, 10.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Also during this time the Warriors made the playoffs and won a series against the Dallas Mavericks in '07. The following year they were the first team in history to win 48 games and not make the playoffs.

Jackson should spend more time with Biedrins to figure out what exactly he wants from the seven-year veteran.

So whether it's more minutes, or trading him for a new center, the Warriors need to make a decision about who they want to be their center.