The Golden State Warriors have several competent role players to support Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, with Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Draymond Green being among the most notable.
However, acquiring a third star via trade would be an ideal scenario for a Warriors organization at a standstill in late November (9-9 record).
Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe predicts the Dubs will acquire a 6-foot-10 former Denver Nuggets star and NBA champion forward to help inject life into a mediocre Warriors offense.
“The Golden State Warriors may have had their eye on Trey Murphy III from early in the offseason, but a potentially viable and more realistic alternative is quickly emerging from a familiar trade partner,” O’Keefe wrote Sunday.
“The Warriors and Brooklyn Nets executed a deal nearly 12 months ago centered on Dennis Schroder and De’Anthony Melton, but now an even bigger trade could be in store during this season involving championship-winning forward Michael Porter Jr.”
“That contract situation means the Warriors should still try and prioritize Murphy if they can pry him from the Pelicans, but Porter is becoming an increasingly possible alternative based on his impressive form and a skillset that could provide a jolt to what is currently the 23rd-ranked offense in the league.”
Porter is among the most efficient three-point shooters on this year’s trade market.
The Missouri product ascended to stardom during his six-year stint with the Nuggets, proving he could be a reliable catch-and-shoot sniper with a knack for making himself available on the perimeter.
Porter averaged 18.2 points during his final season in Denver, shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from three-point land.
Landing Porter would not only help Golden State from a perimeter shooting standpoint but also give Curry and Butler legitimate hope of dethroning the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
If the Dubs are unable to snag Murphy, they should consider pivoting to Porter this season.
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