Inside The Warriors

New Report on Warriors' Trade Offer for 2x NBA All-Defensive Star

The Golden State Warriors had trade interest in this elite NBA defender

Joey Linn

Nov 6, 2023; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob speaks during a press conference to announce the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Bay Area selection to host the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center.
Nov 6, 2023; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob speaks during a press conference to announce the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Bay Area selection to host the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center. / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
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The Golden State Warriors have been linked to several big names this summer as they look to upgrade their roster, but so far their only moves have come on the margins. While Golden State's current roster may be better than last year's, they still lack an established second option next to Steph Curry, which is a major issue.

In addition to their reported interest this summer in stars like Paul George (who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers) and Lauri Markkanen, Golden State also reportedly had interest in two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso before he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a play against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) during the first half at United Center. / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent article, ESPN's Jamal Collier wrote of the Bulls, "They held onto Drummond, who sources said could have returned multiple second-round picks from Philadelphia (where Drummond ended up signing this summer), and Caruso, who had interest from Golden State in a package that included draft compensation, sources said."

According to Collier, Golden State was willing to send draft compensation to Chicago in exchange for Caruso, but the Bulls wanted Josh Giddey. While Golden State's roster is guard-heavy, a player like Caruso would have really helped their defense. The new Thunder guard is not the offensive weapon the Warriors have been seeking, but he made 40.8% of his threes last season.

Having struck out on all of their trade targets so far, the Warriors reportedly remain interested in Markkanen, but the possibility of him being traded is still very much in question.

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Joey Linn

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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