The Warriors might make a desperate move to add a dominant big man to their team, which is dominated by shooters.
The Golden State Warriors, for the better part of the last decade, have been a paradigm of modern basketball. Their emphasis on three-point shooting, small-ball lineups, and floor spacing has revolutionized the NBA. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, along with head coach Steve Kerr’s system, have made them a perennial championship contender. However, despite their success, the Warriors have faced a glaring issue: their lack of a dominant big man.
While the Warriors’ shooting and small-ball identity have proven highly effective, there’s no denying that in today’s NBA, a dominant center—particularly one who can defend the rim, control the paint, and provide a strong inside presence—is increasingly important. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, and the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, have shown how versatile big men can be in today’s NBA. The Warriors, in contrast, have struggled to find that kind of presence, especially as they’ve faced off against more physical teams in recent playoff runs.
The 2025 season has amplified this issue, as the Warriors find themselves in a more competitive Western Conference, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers all boasting formidable big men. As the Warriors look to solidify their championship contention, a desperate move to acquire a dominant big man might be the solution to elevate their chances of success.
The Warriors’ Current Roster and Weaknesses
Before delving into potential trades, it’s essential to evaluate the current state of the Warriors’ roster. At the core of the team, Golden State has one of the best backcourts in NBA history. Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, has revolutionized the game with his deep three-point shooting and playmaking. Klay Thompson, one of the most lethal shooters to ever play the game, complements Curry perfectly, and together they form the “Splash Brothers.” Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and versatility, is a critical piece to their success. Green can defend multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and bring unmatched intensity to the team.
However, the Warriors’ roster has a clear weakness—size and interior defense. While Green’s ability to play center in small-ball lineups has its advantages, he is not a traditional center capable of dominating the paint. Kevon Looney, a valuable role player, provides solid rebounding and rim protection, but he lacks the offensive firepower to complement the Warriors’ high-octane offense.
The Warriors’ style of play has generally favored perimeter shooting, ball movement, and fast breaks. While this has led to tremendous success, it has also made them vulnerable against teams that can physically impose themselves on both ends of the floor. In recent seasons, the Warriors have struggled when facing teams that have the size and physicality to challenge them in the paint, such as the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics. In a postseason series, the absence of a dominant big man has been exposed, as the Warriors are often outmuscled and unable to match the interior strength of other top teams.
The Need for a Dominant Big Man
A dominant big man could provide the Warriors with several key benefits, particularly in matchups against teams that boast powerful centers. The first major benefit would be defensive—an elite center can alter shots, block attempts at the rim, and serve as an anchor for the defense. This would allow Draymond Green to focus more on his role as a defender on the perimeter, while the center could clean up the boards and protect the paint.
Offensively, a traditional big man could provide a much-needed presence in the low post, offering the Warriors a more balanced attack. While Curry and Thompson can generate offense from anywhere on the floor, there are times when the Warriors struggle to create easy baskets inside. A dominant center could provide that easy scoring option, whether it’s through post-ups, alley-oops, or finishing at the rim. Furthermore, a big man who can stretch the floor by hitting mid-range jumpers or three-pointers would give the Warriors even more flexibility in their offensive schemes.
Additionally, having a dominant big man would give the Warriors a more reliable option when they need to slow the game down and control the tempo. While they are known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, there are moments in the playoffs when they need to grind out possessions, especially against bigger, more physical teams. A center who can demand attention in the post and facilitate offense from the inside out would make the Warriors even more dangerous.
Potential Trade Targets for a Dominant Big Man
Given the Warriors’ need for a dominant big man, the front office may look to the trade market for potential upgrades. While the team has some valuable assets, including draft picks, young players, and a strong core of veterans, it will take a well-crafted trade to acquire a true difference-maker in the center position. Here are a few potential trade targets that could elevate the Warriors’ chances:
- Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls)
Nikola Vučević, the veteran center for the Chicago Bulls, could be an intriguing trade target. Vučević is a skilled center who can both score and rebound at a high level. He is a proficient scorer in the post and has a reliable mid-range game, making him a strong fit alongside the Warriors’ perimeter-oriented offense. Defensively, Vučević isn’t elite, but he provides solid rim protection and could help anchor the Warriors’ defense in the paint. His ability to space the floor with his shooting would allow him to fit seamlessly into the Warriors’ system. - Jakob Poeltl (San Antonio Spurs)
Another option could be Jakob Poeltl, who has shown himself to be one of the better defensive centers in the league. Poeltl excels at protecting the rim, rebounding, and setting screens—skills that the Warriors desperately need. Though not a significant offensive threat, Poeltl would help the Warriors defensively by providing much-needed rim protection, and his screening and rolling to the basket could open up the floor for Curry and Thompson. His age and skill set make him an ideal candidate to complement the Warriors’ veteran core. - Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)
Deandre Ayton, the former first overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, is a highly talented center who could be available via trade. Ayton is a versatile big man who can dominate the paint, grab rebounds, and finish around the basket. While he isn’t known for his three-point shooting, Ayton has shown the ability to space the floor with a respectable mid-range jumper. If the Warriors are willing to part with some of their younger players or assets, Ayton could provide the team with a dynamic inside presence and someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively. - Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Although the Timberwolves have made significant investments in their frontcourt with Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Warriors could look to acquire the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to bolster their defense. Gobert is arguably the best rim protector in the NBA, and his rebounding ability is among the best in the league. On offense, Gobert thrives as a lob target and a pick-and-roll finisher. His presence would drastically improve the Warriors’ defense, which has been a weak spot in recent seasons. While Gobert’s offensive limitations may be a concern in Golden State’s system, his defense and rebounding would be invaluable. - Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Another potential target for the Warriors is Jaren Jackson Jr., a rising star in Memphis. Jackson is one of the best young defensive players in the league, with the ability to protect the rim, block shots, and guard multiple positions. Offensively, he has developed a respectable three-point shot and can provide spacing for the Warriors’ offense. His combination of defense and shooting makes him a perfect fit for Golden State’s needs. However, acquiring Jackson would likely require a significant trade package, including several of the Warriors’ younger players and draft picks.
How the Warriors Could Make the Trade Work
The Warriors have a few options when it comes to making a trade for a dominant big man. They have valuable trade assets, including promising young players like Moses Moody, James Wiseman, and Jonathan Kuminga. Wiseman, in particular, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to find consistent playing time with the Warriors. A trade involving Wiseman, along with future draft picks, could be an attractive offer for a team looking to rebuild or add young talent.
Additionally, the Warriors could look to move some of their veteran players, such as Andre Iguodala or Jordan Poole, to balance out the salary cap and create room for a new addition. While Poole is a valuable asset with scoring ability, the Warriors might consider trading him if they believe a dominant big man is the missing piece to their championship aspirations.
