Warriors Rumors: GSW 'Infatuated' with Deni Avdija's Skill Level Ahead of Draft

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly "infatuated" with the skill set of Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Deni Avdija heading into the 2020 NBA draft Wednesday night.

Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday the Dubs may look to trade down from No. 2 overall with an eye on adding an impact role player and a pick that could still land them Avdija, who they believe can develop into a Danilo Gallinari-level contributor.

Avdija has always made the most sense on paper for Golden State among this year's top prospects.

The 19-year-old Israel native possesses a well-rounded, two-way skill set that'll allow him to make an immediate impact without needing to hoist up 15 shots per night. That's perfect for a Warriors squad with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins set to eat up the offensive touches.

It sounds like the interest is mutual based on the reigning Israeli League MVP's predraft comments.

"This team is a great team, with a lot of great guys and good All-Star players I can learn from," Avdija told reporters in late September about the Warriors. "I think it's a great experience. I'll be excited wherever I go, but to be a championship contender, that's a great opportunity."

If Golden State is forced to trade out of Avdija's range to acquire the veteran frontcourt player it desires, other possible draft targets include Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Florida State shooting guard Devin Vassell and Villanova small forward Saddiq Bey, per Letourneau.

Should the Warriors acquire both a center to round out their starting lineup—alongside Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Draymond Green—along with Avdija, who could open his career as a multifaceted sixth man, their outlook for next season would skyrocket.

They were already expected to make a significant leap after posting a 15-50 record during an injury-plagued 2019-20 campaign, but that's the best outcome for Wednesday night.

It's all part of what's shaping up to become one of the most unpredictable draft nights in recent memory.