The Golden State Warriors quietly have one of the best rosters in the NBA, ready to dominate on both sides of the ball. After finally reaching an agreement with Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors were able to sign veteran center Al Horford to space the floor and protect the rim.
Of course, there are better centers in the NBA. The Warriors were just not in a position to add any of them.
After settling the Kuminga issue, the young forward has made it clear that he does not want to be traded in the middle of the season. The Warriors, in their effort to win a title, might not care.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors go for a loose ball at Chase Center on October 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Trade Rumors Link Warriors to Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo is the perfect center for the Warriors to pair with Stephen Curry. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 18.6 points and ten rebounds, shot 35.7% from deep, and been one of the best defenders in the NBA.
The Miami Heat have not offered any indication that Adebayo is on the trade market. If the Heat get off to a slow start, that could change, and the Warriors are expected to pounce even after adding Horford.
Bam Adebayo is another All-Star in the East who would be at the top of the Warriors’ list of potential trade targets if he were to ever request a trade from the Miami Heat, sources said,” reported ClutchPoints’ insider Brett Siegel on October 3rd.
Adeabyo would have his fair share of suitors on the market, including the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors have six first-round picks to trade or swap, so the only difficulty would be matching Adebayo’s $37 million salary.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on March 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Warriors Would Have to Upset Kuminga
Adding Adebayo’s salary would be no easy task. Aside from the draft capital it would take, the Warriors would also have to include some combination of Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, or De’Anthony Melton.
Of course, including Kuminga and his new $23.2 million salary would make a deal with the Heat easier. Kuminga doesn’t want to be traded. The Warriors are high on him, but for an established All-Star, sacrifices would be made.
The Heat have long been linked to Kuminga, and their interest has not waned.
The Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans also held conversations with the Warriors about Kuminga at the start of free agency,” wrote Siegel.
Pat Riley is unwilling to make any deal that would help LeBron James, and sending Adebayo to the Warriors, the Lakers’ biggest rival, might be enough for him to consider taking back slightly less. However, as long as Miami is in contention, Adebayo will be a fixture on its roster.
Golden State Warriors Linked to All-Star as Al Horford Upgrade