Being a fantasy general manager is not easy. Nonetheless, that will never stop people. That statement is especially true given what time of the year it is.
The NBA Trade Deadline is right around the corner, with under two weeks to go until trades are halted for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign on Feb. 6. The clock is ticking for every franchise to either push towards something of substance this season, or build towards the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are two teams who may prove to be headed in opposite directions. The Lakers are on track to secure a strong spot in the NBA Playoffs this season. Meanwhile, the Warriors appear to be a sinking ship. It just is not quite apparent whether they realize it themselves just yet.
Warriors blow it up, uniting LeBron with a good friend
Kevin O'Connor recently experimented with what a Draymond Green trade could look like if the Warriors finally decide to close a chapter on this legendary part in franchise history. That decision will not be an easy one for Golden State to make. However, after going 10-20 over their last 30 games, perhaps the eyes of management have been opened to the fate their team is destined for.
O'Connor's proposed trade would also include the Lakers sending their 2029 first-round pick to the Warriors, as well as two second-round picks in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Warriors grade: B+
It's hard to fully gauge what kind of trade value Green would have, should the Warriors move on from him. The four-time champion is still an extremely valuable defender and leader on that end. Green also continues to be a strong connecting piece and playmaker on the offensive end. The four-time All-Star is averaging 8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while shooting 36.2 percent from 3-point on 3.4 attempts per game.
Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson are not simply 'throw-ins' either. Both those players, Hield more so, could prove to be valuable contributors for the Lakers. Considering all of the above, there is an argument to be made that this a weak package.
However, the prize of this situation for the Warriors is that prized 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers. With the quality of life after LeBron James being up in the air for the Lakers, having that selection could prove extremely valuable for the Warriors. Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent could all be rerouted for future assets in the offseason too. Ultimately, not a bad haul for the Warriors.
Lakers grade: A
There are a lot of reasons to like this deal for the Lakers. The value Green brings was already discussed, but it will be expanded upon here. While this would not be the center help that Anthony Davis has been asking for, the one-time Defensive Player of the Year should help bolster the frontcourt.
Green's defensive prowess should help create a strong pairing in the frontcourt that will almost assuredly boost the Lakers' lousy 22nd-ranked defensive rating. The eight-time All-Defensive forward should also be able to log minutes for the Lakers as a small ball five.
Hield is a streaky shooter from beyond the arc. Despite that, the sharpshooting wing is still connecting on 37.0 percent of his shots from deep this season. The threat of Hield coming off the bench and playing next to James should certainly boost the Lakers' spacing and allow the former lottery pick to shoot some easy catch-and-shoot looks.
Anderson is the least exciting of the three players involved here, but even Slo Mo should have an opportunity to carve out a solid, situational role off the bench for himself in Los Angeles.
From the Lakers' point of view, O'Connor crafted up a top tier trade that would theoretically aid in their potential championship push considerably.