NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Would Be Wise to Use Draft Picks as Bargaining Chips

The Golden State Warriors have four selections in the upcoming 2012 NBA draft, but they reportedly have no interest in developing that many rookies. 

Instead they must look to make a deal in the days leading up to the event or during the draft itself.

According to Marcus Thompson of The Oakland Tribune, league sources have found that the Warriors are interested in Andre Iguodala, Nick Batum, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay and Josh Smith. Each of those players desperately fills the need for an athletic forward that can create his own shot when necessary.

First-year GM Bob Myers made it clear that they will be definitely be looking to make a move.  When talking about the impact of landing the No. 7 pick in the lottery (No. 8 or higher would have been sent to Utah) on Wednesday night, Thompson reported Myers was excited:

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“It gives us four picks for the draft, which is a really great position to be in as a far as flexibility. The things you can do with that many assets is exciting for our organization." Said Myers.

Myers doesn't want to draft four more rookies, so the Warriors will be looking to consolidate picks to move up or parlay picks into veteran talent.

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With Klay Thompson having a great rookie season, Stephen Curry hopefully healthy, David Lee’s presence in the post and the newly acquired Andrew Bogut in place to protect the rim, the W’s biggest hole is at small forward.

Since they possess the No. 7, 30, 36 and 52 picks—plus Dorell Wright’s $4.1 million expiring contract—it should be easy for the Warriors to find a willing participant to work a deal out with.

Expect Golden State to be extremely active in trade discussions over the next month and end up with a great asset in exchange for all of their movable parts.