The Warriors had a busy day Thursday, trading for Chris Paul and landing two solid draft picks. How will this change their starting lineup and rotation for next season?
The Warriors had an excellent NBA Draft, taking Brandin Podziemski with the No. 19 pick. They also selected Trayce Jackson Davis with the No. 57 overall pick. This came on the heels of a mid-day trade that sent Jordan Poole to the Wizards and brought back Chris Paul, dramatically changing the Warriors' rotation.
Podziemiski may end up splitting minutes between both wing positions. Jackson-Davis may end up splitting the time between the big league club and the G League club but could be a contributor later in the season. It seems likely that Chris Paul will come off the bench.
Warriors projected starting lineup and rotation:
Point Guard: Stephen Curry | Chris Paul
Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson | Gary Payton II | Brandin Podziemski
Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins | Moses Moody | Brandin Podziemski
Power Forward: Draymond Green | Jonathan Kumingia
Center: Kevin Looney | Trayce Jackson-Davis
This is a lineup that would make a lot more sense if the team ends up trading Chris Paul at some point. Paul doesn't really fit with this roster because the Warriors play an uptempo, highly spaced offense, where Paul likes to hold the ball, grind out possessions and create from the middle of the floor.
Paul's contract allows the team to explore options where they can get other players that fit better with this offense. He has two more years on his contract but both of these years are non-guaranteed and they could use this contract as a way to get more depth.
Draymond Green has a chance to leave this offseason, after declining his player option. Other teams may throw a max deal at him but the Warriors are the favorites to re-sign him.
The team needs to find a backup center regardless if they do sign Green back to the roster. There were also trade rumors that Kumingia would end up getting traded before the draft so that part of the roster may not be settled.
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