The Golden State Warriors have recently been entrenched in Jimmy Butler trade drama, but another member of the Miami Heat arguably makes even more sense as a primary trade target for the dynastic organization.
While Butler has proven to be one of the league’s best playoff performers in recent memory, the 35-year-old forward with an expiring contract may not be exactly what Golden State is looking for.
Instead, the Warriors should try to gain an established star at the center position to help the 36-year-old Stephen Curry compete for his fifth title.
To do this, Warriors’ general manager Mike Dunleavy could contact the Heat to shift from conversations centered around Butler and instead begin dialogue on a trade that sends three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo to the Bay.
Negotiating a deal for the 27-year-old Adebayo should be at the top of the organization’s priority list. This is because it addresses several glaring problems within the roster as currently constructed.
Adebayo’s presence would bring in a superstar force in the frontcourt to pair next to Draymond Green, creating a defensive tandem that could be argued as the best in the entire league.
He’d also likely be able to form a fantastic pick-and-roll partnership with Curry, who would benefit from his screen-setting ability and rebounding prowess.
The trade could even help Miami as well, as the recent breakout of rookie center Kel’el Ware could lead to him receiving more of Adebayo’s minutes, eventually pushing him away from the team.
Golden State would conceivably be able to draw up a trade for Adebayo with relative ease compared to the months-long saga of the Butler situation.
The Warriors would be able to complete a transaction financially by offering a package of Andrew Wiggins and the expiring contract of Kyle Anderson. That’s it, deal done.
Of course, Golden State would also throw in a young player like Brandin Podziemski or Moses Moody and first-round draft capital, but it’s much easier to think of a package for the five-time All-Defensive center than his superstar counterpart.
More NBA: Heat could offer this four-player package to Kings for De’Aaron Fox
