NBA Trade Speculation: 5 Golden State Trade Targets Not Named Dwight Howard

As all Warriors fans have likely heard by now, general manager Larry Riley is publicly searching for the right trade. While his history with transactions might call the promise of that into question, there is no denying that there are some high-quality players on the market. Specifically, of course, Dwight Howard.

In order to acquire Howard, the Warriors are likely to have to give up a majority of their current core. Players like Monta Ellis, David Lee, Ekpe Udoh and Klay Thompson are names that have been thrown around, and even young point guard Stephen Curry could be at risk. The question is, is it worth it? As tempting as it is to have Dwight Howard out in the Bay Area, the answer is no.

Instead, the Warriors should be targeting the necessary role players to make things work with their current unit. Center remains a need, as Andris Biedrins has failed to live up to expectations and Udoh may be a better fit for the four. Perimeter defense is always a need in Golden State, as well, as Curry, Ellis and Nate Robinson underwhelm on defense as much as they overwhelm on offense. As much as we love them, they have established themselves as relatively one-sided threats.

So who do you go after? Do you go for the high-profile, high-cost players? Or do you stop worrying about name value and go after the best fits for your basketball team? Considering the Warriors have already kept it close in almost every loss this season, I'll go with the latter.

5. DeShawn Stevenson, SG, New Jersey Nets

DeShawn Stevenson has long been one of the best defensive players in the NBA. Pair that with his above-average three-point shooting ability, and he becomes a perfect fit for a young Warriors unit.

Stevenson was one of the key components to the Dallas Mavericks' NBA championship run. While his three-point shooting will forever live on in playoff glory, it was his fearless defense of opposing teams' best scorers that was most important. As he showed in New Jersey's recent victory over the favored New York Knicks, he can get under the skin of the best of them; even Carmelo Anthony.

4. Emeka Okafor, C, New Orleans Hornets

While everyone talks about Chris Kaman, it may be time we give the other New Orleans center a little bit of credit. Emeka Okafor isn't the superstar he was projected to be, but that doesn't mean he's not one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. He blocks shots with the best of them, rebounds just as well and never backs down from a challenge in the post.

He's exactly the type of player that the Warriors need alongside David Lee. He's a great help defender, which is something the Warriors could benefit from considering Lee's shortcomings on that end of the floor. Hopefully they realize this, too.

3. Courtney Lee, SG, Houston Rockets

Courtney Lee has had a very good season down in Houston. For the right deal, he could have an even better season out in Oakland.

Lee has improved his shooting tremendously, shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three. He's also an 85 percent free-throw shooter, but none of that is why he'd be so valuable to the Warriors.

While Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry can light it up on the offensive end, there's no denying how weak the Warriors' perimeter is on defense. Lee is an excellent perimeter defender and has the rare capability of getting under opponents' skin.

2. Chris Andersen, C, Denver Nuggets

With Nene, Timofey Mozgov, Al Harrington and rookie Kenneth Faried all getting solid playing time, it's hard to figure out what Chris Andersen's role is going to be moving forward. He's an exceptional shot blocker with great rebounding skills, and for everything he lacks on the offensive end, he makes up for in defensive ability...and tattoos.

For those concerned with how Andersen would fit in on the offensive-minded Warriors, fear not. Andersen has made a career out of being the only defensive-minded player on an offensive-driven team. Until Carmelo Anthony was traded for the entire Knicks roster, Andersen's defense often kept the Nuggets in games when Melo or J.R. Smith weren't knocking down shots.

Overall, Chris Andersen would be a major upgrade at the center position. Also, his shot-blocking ability would go nicely with Ekpe Udoh, who has a similar playing style to Andersen's old teammate, Kenyon Martin.

1. Javale McGee, C, Washington Wizards

For everything Javale McGee lacks in technique, he makes up for it in athletic ability. Unfortunately, that doesn't work in the NBA...outside of Golden State.

McGee is an excellent shot blocker with unreal leaping ability. He's athletic enough to run in transition, as well, which is why he'd be the perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry and the fast-paced Golden State Warriors.

Prior to the 2012 NBA season, new head coach Mark Jackson promised to make the Warriors a better defensive unit. He's done that,so far, but adding McGee would take them to another level. If they could hold on to Ekpe Udoh in acquiring McGee, they'd have one of the better shot blocking tandems in the NBA. Even if not, McGee is a strong enough force in the paint on his own to merit that recognition.