The Golden State Warriors are currently not in the Western Conference playoff race and have nine days left to complete a trade to enhance the team.
With a record of 23-23, the Dubs hold the 11th seed, just one place away from the NBA’s Play-In Tournament, as they reach the midpoint of the season with a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder set for Wednesday night, Jan. 29. And that is in spite of a blazing 12-3 beginning to the season.
The Warriors exchanged high-level talent for depth during the offseason, a strategy that was effective for some time but has recently faltered over the past 30 games. Golden State’s journey toward genuine title contention is unclear and possibly no longer viable by 2025.
Nonetheless, for the Dubs to regain their momentum, they must acquire at least one player of All-Star quality. Fortunately for them, at least one player is keen on relocating to the Bay Area.
The Warriors have talked about Nikola Vucevic, and league insiders indicate that the Chicago Bulls center sees Golden State as an appealing option if Chicago chooses to trade him,” Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II reported Wednesday.
Vucevic is a two-time All-Star experiencing a comeback season in 2024-25, with averages of 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He is additionally hitting close to 40% from three-point range on nearly 5 attempts each game.
Vucevic, at 34 years of age, is currently in the second year of a three-year, $60 million deal.
Although Vucevic is seen as an appealing trade option, Slater and Thompson noted that a trade for him is presently on Golden State’s figurative back burner.
“There are varied views on his fit and necessity, but he will continue to be a secondary choice for the Warriors as the market develops in the coming week,” they stated.
