Thunder Eye Strategic Move with Warriors to Land Key Star, But It Will Be Costly

The Golden State Warriors have the resources to acquire a star player this offseason if the chance arises. They also possess other assets to facilitate smaller moves, enhancing the supporting cast around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

In a proposed trade by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Warriors would make a minor move and also gain a first-round pick. His trade suggestion involves sending Kenrich Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Warriors in exchange for Moses Moody and more.

**Warriors would receive:**
– Kenrich Williams
– 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected)

**Thunder would receive:**
– Moses Moody
– Gui Santos

Warriors rookie Moses Moody's huge fourth quarter gets Steve Kerr's  attention

Buckley commented on this trade on July 10, stating, “It’s tempting to put together a massive landscape-shifter here since the Thunder have the trade chips to get that kind of megadeal done, but their mostly methodical nature to this point suggests their splashes are finished for this summer. If they wanted to do another deal, though, then flipping Williams and a lottery-protected first for Moody might work.”

“Williams’ role has decreased amid Oklahoma City’s ascension. The Thunder might see some untapped potential with Moody, or at least seek out more perimeter shooting from wing-sized players who won’t be played off the floor defensively. Santos, a 2022 second-round pick, has the activity level and versatility to perhaps mimic Williams’ energizer role in the Sooner State.”

**Only Steph Curry Isn’t in Trade Talks**

Following Klay Thompson’s departure, the Warriors need to replace a potential Hall of Famer. They acquired Buddy Hield and others to fill some gaps, but Thompson’s chemistry with Curry and the Warriors is irreplaceable.

Replacing Thompson will be challenging, but according to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on the “Willard & Dibs” show on 95.7 The Game, Curry is the only untouchable player in trade discussions. “First of all, you have to understand, there are very few players in the league who are not talked about in trade discussions. Steph Curry is not being discussed in trade talks. Everybody else is,” Kerr said on July 10.

This indicates Golden State’s openness to trading Jonathan Kuminga and Moody, two young players with significant trade value.

**How This Trade Could Benefit the Warriors**

Not including Moody in a major trade might hinder the Warriors’ chances of acquiring a star this offseason or next season, but the 2025 first-round pick from Buckley’s proposal could be valuable.

With an additional tradable first-round pick, the Warriors’ front office might attract more interest from other teams.

Williams has proven to be a high-level defender capable of contributing to a championship team. In the 2023-24 season, he played 69 games, averaging 14.9 minutes per game.

His role diminished compared to the previous season, playing nearly eight fewer minutes per game, due to the Thunder’s talent pool. Williams might thrive with the Warriors, where he’s needed more.

His 3-point shooting is also respectable, hitting 39.7% on 2.0 attempts per game, making him a fit for most Warriors’ lineups.

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