Warriors Trade Rumors: 2 hot targets on Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s radar to improve defense next to Steph Curry

The Golden State Warriors front office is looking to pair an elite perimeter defender with Steph Curry and Co., Monte Poole reported on Saturday. A few hours later, Clutch Points reporter Brett Siegel said that the Warriors have held talks for Herbert Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Dubs added Jimmy Butler to the mix last season in a trade that saw Andrew Wiggins land with the Miami Heat. With another star alongside him, Steph Curry led the Warrriors to the Western Conference semifinals before sustaining a hamstring strain.

Without Curry, the Dubs fell apart and were eliminated by the Timberwolves in five games. That might not have been the case if the Warriors had more elite defenders playing next to Butler and Draymond Green. Golden State is now looking to upgrade the roster and potentially improve its defense by signing free agents or via trades.

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Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a solid rotation player for the Timberwolves last season. He made 82 appearances, recording 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range. As an unrestricted free agent, Alexander-Walker presents a low-cost and defensively solid option for Golden State.

Meanwhile, Herbert Jones averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Pelicans. He only managed 20 appearances due to multiple injuries. Even if the Dubs look past his injury history, they will need to trade for Jones, as he has two years left on his four-year, $53 million deal with New Orleans.

By comparison, Alexander-Walker would be a better option for Golden State. Both players are solid perimeter defenders who can also shoot from beyond the arc. Pursuing either would be a solid move by GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and his team.

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Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr doesn’t plan on starting next season without a proper center

After deploying Draymond Green at center for the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, Warriors’coach Steve Kerr is ready for a new big. Speaking to reporters in May, Kerr emphasized the team’s need for an actual center.

“I don't want to start next season with Draymond as our starting center. I think it's doable for the last 30 games like we did this year, but you see the toll it takes on him,” Kerr said.

So, apart from their pursuit of an elite perimeter defender, the Dubs will undoubtedly be in the market for a center as well.

Edited by Bhargav