Golden State Warriors Rumors: Nerlens Noel, Will Barton Among Possible Trade Targets For Dubs
The Golden State Warriors hold the best record in the league and have the best starting lineup, bannered by their four superstars - Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. However, that will not stop the Warriors from making moves before the annual NBA trade deadline.
While the Warriors are remaining quiet on the trade front at this point, they are expected to shop before the deadline. Bleacher Report columnist Zach Buckley named Philadelphia 76ers power forward Nerlens Noel and Denver Nuggets shooting guard Will Barton as potential trade targets.
Noel has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors this season despite playing just eight games for the Sixers. Most NBA analysts believe that the former Kentucky standout will be the odd man out in the event the 76ers decide to trade one of their big men, which also include Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid.
Okafor could also be dealt. But for the Warriors, a trade for Noel makes more sense than a deal to acquire Okafor. Noel is known for his defense, while Okafor is more of an offensive-minded big.
The Warriors already have a lot of scoring weapons but could get some help on the defensive end of the floor. In 67 games last season, Noel averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds on top of 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
Moreover, the Warriors were also linked to a possible trade for Barton. Buckley said that while the Warriors look stacked in all positions at first glance, they are in dire need for another solid wing presence.
"Despite having a heavy star presence around the wings, the Warriors are light there overall," Buckley wrote. "They only run two-deep at both point guard and small forward, and their three-deep group at shooting guard features developing prospects Clark and McCaw."
Barton has already proven that he can contribute well if given enough playing. The fifth-year guard is averaging 13.6 points to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season. The Warriors will not need to spend a lot for him as well, as he is only set to receive $3.53 million this season, the second season of his three-year contact.
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