Warriors, Rockets Viewed As Potential Players In Trade Market

The Warriors and Rockets are two teams generating a lot of buzz as potential players in the NBA trade market this season, and it’s easy to see why. Both have the assets — whether it’s young players, draft picks, or movable veterans — that could make them prime candidates for a significant in-season deal.

Golden State, at 10-2, was connected to big names like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen   this past offseason, but they’ve been hesitant to part with Brandin Podziemski, the No. 19 pick in 2023. The Warriors brass, led by Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy, have made it clear they’re high on Podziemski, which is why the price tag for acquiring him has been steep.

Podziemski himself has acknowledged the mental toll of being at the center of trade rumors, but he’s clearly motivated by the trust the Warriors have shown in him, especially when teams like the Clippers and Jazz came calling.

Golden State’s trade ammunition goes beyond Podziemski, too. They’ve got expiring contracts in De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Kevon Looney, plus a lingering situation with Jonathan Kuminga, who wasn’t able to reach an extension before the season.

If the Warriors decide to make a move, their stockpile of future first-round picks makes them an NBA team with plenty of flexibility. But at 10-2, they might feel like they don’t need to make any drastic changes, at least not right now.

On the other hand, Houston, currently sitting at 9-4, doesn’t seem to be in any rush to make a trade either. They’ve got a young core that’s clicking on both ends of the floor, led by defensive stalwarts Tari Eason and Amen Thompson — both of whom are reportedly off-limits in trade talks.

But the Rockets are in a position to make a move if the right opportunity arises. Steven Adams is on an expiring $12.6MM contract, and Jeff Green, Jock Landale, Jae’Sean Tate, and Aaron Holiday are all veteran pieces that could be moved. Plus, Houston still has those Phoenix picks, which could be enticing for a deal down the line.

One name that could be a potential target for both teams is Jimmy Butler. The Heat star didn’t sign an extension this summer and has plans to decline his player option next offseason, making him a name to watch.

However, moving Butler would go against the Heat’s usual approach of holding onto their stars, and it’d be a surprising move considering Miami’s contention window.

At the end of the day, both the Warriors and Rockets have the pieces to make significant moves, but don’t expect anything to happen too quickly.

Most of the league’s big names aren’t expected to be available anytime soon, and teams are still figuring out where they stand in the postseason race. But if there’s an NBA trade to be made, these two teams will be among those to keep an eye on.