Toughness?
Competitiveness?
The Warriors proved that in Wednesday's vital victory over the Timberwolves – a game they led 34-12 after one quarter but ended with a one-point lead.
Sure, we are able to move on from that, Steph Curry.
Of course, there's one other approach to have a look at it: The Warriors – who’ve won eight of their last 25 games – showed all the failings which have made this a slow, often losing season, even after they win.
Suffice it to say, I wouldn't put this W on the screen.
Still, just a few days after publicly going through the acceptance phase of grief, Curry decided to barter again.
“All the Twitter fingers that got deals that we need to make can shut up a little bit and let us figure this thing out,” Curry told ESPN after the sport.
Well, Steph, I don't tweet anymore (or BlueSky or whatever else there may be), but a one-point win in Minnesota – especially a win – doesn't change my opinion that this team must make an actual deal No. 2 next to Curry.
I discovered this out this time last yr. The Warriors have undoubtedly noticed the issue – they’re subscribers.
However, the issue still persists.
And regardless that I needed to go to the hospital on Wednesday for a gash on my left index finger – as you possibly can guess, an avocado was the perpetrator – I actually have my hands full for this column and got here up with the all-to-end: all business:
Folks, it's time to bring Kevin Durant back to the Warriors.
Not only is it one of the best thing for the Warriors in the following two or three years – Steph's so shiny twilight – there's a certain poetry to it.
While Durant initially got here to the Bay as a surplus, he would now come to the Warriors as a savior. This shift in momentum could — should — change his perceived legacy here and across the league.
As Marvel has told us for the past few many years, it's at all times a superb time to bring the Avengers back together. If nothing else, it's the box office.
And let's be honest: Neither the Warriors nor the Suns are going to win a hoop anytime soon. Not as currently built.
But it is best to give a push this season.
I don't think the Suns are able to playing their best this season. Your top-heavy squad is just not made for this.
But the Warriors and their bottom-heavy roster? You can shuffle around enough to make things interesting with a trade.
Still, the Warriors wish to proceed talking in regards to the future. What in regards to the present?
Yes, the Dubs could also be a play-in tournament team right away, but is there a team outside of Oklahoma City that ought to truly be feared within the West?
Put Durant on the Warriors, and I just like the Dubs' probabilities against Houston, Memphis and Denver in a seven-game series. Obviously the Timberwolves aren't a title contender and the Mavs just lost to the Pelicans, so there's something fishy there.
My goodness, as of Thursday morning the Clippers were the No. 5 seed within the West and the Lakers were the No. 6 seed.
Apart from this top spot, the West is wide open.
Take motion.
Of course it doesn't need to be Durant. Zion Williamson is value discussing (although his fit with the Warriors and alongside Draymond Green can be poor at best), as is Zach Lavine (his teams have won 37 percent of the games he has played in, which looks like a red flag). It looks like the Dubs want nothing to do with Jimmy Butler, regardless that he can be an incredible fit on the sector.
But in terms of timing, fit and pedigree, Durant is one of the best option.
A trade would give the Suns, who overdid it when Mat Ishbia bought the team, a probability to restart around Devin Booker. It would give the Warriors a probability to be competitive – and definitely greater than relevant – in a Western Conference that should be won, while Steph, Durant and Green can still play good basketball.
Here's the trade as a two-team deal. The more the higher:
Warrior received:
receiving sun:
The Warriors retain their first-round picks for 2025, 2027, 2029, 2030 (restricted to the lower third) and 2031. If this all explodes, that's enough to rebuild, right?
It also brings the Kuminga contract issue to Phoenix. The Warriors obviously don't wish to commit to the Congolese striker long-term. But the Suns would go younger and a bit cheaper at power forward. Maybe Kuminga shall be the player he thinks must be in a more traditional pick-and-roll offense.
But more importantly for the Suns, they might land just a few first-round picks on this trade. Somehow the Suns only own their 2031 first-round pick after trading for Durant and Bradley Beal. They must replenish their supplies now or face an entire rebuild in a yr or two.
Can Durant coexist with Green? Would he prefer to return to the bay? I need to search out out the hard way.
You may view this trade as a loss-loss trade.
That's a double negative for me.
Or to place it one other way: a victory.
Originally published:
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