5 Trade-Ready Centers Warriors Must Target To End Draymond Green’s Big Man Nightmares Amid Playoff Push

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is reportedly "frustrated" with his nightly task of guarding opposing big men, who are heavier and taller than he is.

Green was also in the headlines recently after a heated exchange with Warriors coach Steve Kerr during Monday's 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic. In Tuesday's "NBA Today," ESPN's Marc Spears discussed the confrontation between Kerr and Green and shed light on the four-time NBA champion's frustrations.

"I'm hearing too that Draymond's a little frustrated with having to guard centers and having the guys that are 40-50 pounds heavier than him on a nightly basis."

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Even before the news of Green's frustrations surfaced, there had been speculations that Golden State is looking for a big man. On Saturday's "NBA on Prime," NBA insider Chris Haynes said the team is looking for a big man who could rebound and defend.

"They are looking for size and athleticism," Haynes said. "You look at the Warriors, rebounding and block shots, they're in the bottom half of the league. And points in the paint, they are dead last. So they are looking for an athletic center."

With that, here are five centers that Golden State could target.

Five centers that the Golden State Warriors could target

5. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls

NBA : Chicago Bulls vs Golden Gate Warriors in San Francisco - Source: Getty

Trade rumors involving Nikola Vucevic were re-ignited this season, as there have been rumors about the Chicago Bulls finally blowing up their roster. While Vucevic is not an athletic center that Golden State reportedly wants, he could be a floor-spacing big who could fit Steve Kerr's system.

Vucevic is a career 35.0% shooter and is a solid rebounder on the other end. The 35-year-old center also fits the Warriors' "win-now" situation.

4. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors - Source: Imagn

Ivica Zubac has been a bright spot amid a dismal start by the LA Clippers. Trading for Zubac would likely cost several assets, but if Golden State wants to go all-in on a frontcourt upgrade, the 7-foot center could be worth it.

In addition, pundits have described Zubac as a potential future All-Star. In 28 games for the Clippers, he is averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.

3. Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

NBA: Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn

While not as productive as Vucevic and Zubac, Daniel Gafford fits what the Warriors are looking for in an athletic center. The 6-10 center is a solid contributor for the Dallas Mavericks who could rebound and defend. In 19 games, Gafford is averaging 7.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 1.5 bpg.

In addition, the Mavericks might also be looking to upgrade their roster. Golden State could offer guard Moses Moody and sweeten it with veteran Al Horford and a future draft pick.

2. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Golden State Warriors v Brooklyn Nets - Source: Getty

In 27 games for the Brooklyn Nets, Nic Claxton is averaging 13.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg. His production is a tad better than Gafford's, and Brooklyn could demand a better trade package for Claxton. The Warriors could offer Jonathan Kuminga, who was once rumored to generate interest from the Nets.

With an 8-19 record entering Tuesday, Brooklyn is expected to entertain trade discussions. Claxton is on the second season of his four-year, $97 million contract.

1.Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers v Golden State Warriors - Source: Getty

Trading for Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams could be described as high risk and high reward. The 6-9 big man has struggled to stay healthy in his three seasons in Portland, but Williams has been known as a defensive force in his stint with the Boston Celtics.

Like Gafford and Claxton, he also fits the bill of what Golden State is looking for. However, Williams has far more playoff experience, which could be key for a Warriors team looking to contend.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos