The Golden State Warriors have been linked in trade buzz to a hyper-athletic wing formerly of the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.
Golden State is scanning the trade market for someone to do some of the things the now-injured De’Anthony Melton did, especially on defense.
Melton was a pesky on-ball defender whose length was going to be a huge asset for Golden State’s defense this year. With Melton now done for the season with an ACL injury, the Warriors could turn to a New Orleans Pelicans veteran to help replace some of Melton’s impact.
FanSided’s Lior Lampert suggested in a new report that Golden State could go after Pelicans wing Javonte Green once Green becomes trade-eligible on December 15.
“New Orleans has been ravaged by injuries, forcing players like Green into bigger roles than the team might have expected (or hoped for),” Lampert said.
“The Pelicans are spiraling out of control, and their poor health is taking them to a point of no return. Green, 31, is an end-of-rotation option on an expiring contract. His purpose for a title contender like Golden State would be much greater than his current situation.”
Lampert suggested that Golden State send two second-rounders to New Orleans (2026, 2028) in addition to forward Gui Santos in exchange for Green.
“Green’s 120 defensive rating this season isn’t great, but his 111.6 career average is a larger sample size and more closely resembles Melton’s (109.5). Moreover, he’s a respectable 34.5 percent shooter from long distance, making him a viable plug-and-play pickup for the Warriors.”
“Meanwhile, the Pelicans would net two second-round picks and second-year Brazilian wing Gui Santos. That can be considered a win, especially in exchange for someone not viewed as part of their long-term plans (Green).”
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