Warriors Need Paul George to Return to Championship Contention Amid NBA Trade Rumors

The Golden State Warriors are willing to give up young assets, such as Jonathan Kuminga, if the right player comes along and can provide “something that we felt would unequivocally change the trajectory of our franchise,” general manager Mike Dunleavy told reporters Thursday.

The team appears to have found “the right player” in impending free agent Paul George, who the Warriors are prepared to offer a four-year max contract, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Get Up, (h/t RealGM).

“He wants a full out max and there are a number of teams out there, I am told, that are prepared to give it to him, who are prepared to trade for him. One of those teams, potentially, is up the coast in Golden State,” the insider said.

George is a great fit for a Warriors team that needs a spark to return to championship contention. A spark that the veteran forward/guard provides.

The 34-year-old Clippers star can take over games with offense or defense, the latter of which the Warriors could use a lot of. He is also a selfless player despite his stature in the league and is unafraid of playing No. 2 when needed. He is an expert passer and can set his star teammates up to thrive.

Given the Warriors have a future Hall of Famer in Steph Curry as their unquestioned leader, who is still one of the best players in the game, George would not need to be the central figure in the offense.

He can compliment Curry well, come up with the big, well-timed defensive stand when necessary, and impact the game beyond his impressive stat line.

George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals a season ago. He also shot 47.1 from the paint and 41.3 from beyond the arc, career highs as he continues to develop his game even 14 seasons into his acclaimed career.

Adding his scoring ability to a Warriors team that has not traditionally struggled to find the net will only enhance what the squad is able to accomplish as it seeks a return to the postseason and another championship pursuit while Curry is still around.

His defensive skill set will accentuate that of Draymond Green, who is still a force on that side of the ball, with six steals a game.

Losing Klay Thompson, which is a very real possibility amid a “tense standoff,” necessitates a move for a player who can provide consistent scoring and defense. George is a better player than the future Hall of Famer at this point and an immediate upgrade.

Not seizing the opportunity to make a run at the All-Star and add him to the mix could cost the Warriors a fifth title. More importantly, it would create questions about the front office’s commitment to winning and maximizing what time Curry and Green have left on the court.