NBA Trade Rumors: How Warriors' Jerry West Can Fulfill Desire to Make Big Trade

Jerry West is itching to make a difference with the Golden State Warriors, but he is going to have to be patient to accomplish that. 

West joined the Warriors last May as a head consultant and has yet to make an indelible imprint, but to listen to West, that is about to change. 

The Speculation

Here is West, as quoted by Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle:

"

I'm going to be up here a lot more. I think something can be done here, and it's kind of fun for me.

We need more chips, more players, and we'll have the capability next year. We need to solve our one glaring need at center, and once you have some chips, that's when you can make a trade or shake things up to get something you don't have. It's challenging, but I'm confident that it can be done.

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West has an amazing track record of success as a GM. While he is in a different role here, it doesn't mean that he can't build a blueprint for success. 

West talks about adding chips. The easiest and most feasible way for the Warriors to do this will be in free agency. So let's take a look at what kind of shape the Warriors will be in to add free agents this offseason. 

The Warriors' Cap Situation

The Warriors are currently locked into just over $47.3 million in salary next season. The cap this year is at $58 million and will be higher next season. 

Depending on what the cap figure is next year, the Warriors will likely be just under the mark to add a max contract. This will leave them out of the running for the elite of the elite, but it does leave them in a position to add some valuable pieces. 

This way, West can add enough players to make an attractive trade offer for his coveted center. They already have one attractive piece that has been in numerous trade rumors. That is Monta Ellis. 

The Warriors are in a good position to deal Ellis. They already have Stephen Curry in the backcourt and promising rookie Klay Thompson backing Ellis up. 

With a couple of solid pieces packaged with Ellis, Golden State will be able to put together a very attractive trade offer for the center West desires.