NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors interested in trading for 2x NBA finalist

The Golden State Warriors appear to be in trouble. They have lost four of their last five games and are currently 2-13 on the road, the second-worst away record in the league. In fact, it is the worst road start in NBA history for a defending champion and their overall record (14-15) is below .500. Several fans and analysts are suggesting that the team should hit the panic button and make some moves.

To exacerbate the situation, superstar Steph Curry (the only player putting up consistent numbers) left the game against Indiana due to an apparent shoulder injury. It isn't far-fetched to say that the Dubs will lose a bunch of games moving forward.

According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, the Golden State Warriors are interested in Jae Crowder of the Phoenix Suns. He said:

"Do the Suns want to send Jae Crowder to a Western Conference contender to guard Devin Booker? The Golden State Warriors have had an interest. The 32-year-old forward, who was disappointed Phoenix wouldn't give him an extension, has been missing in action all season…Talks extended to include the Warriors, but nothing came of it."

Crowder to the Warriors makes a lot of sense. The team needs veterans as the young players haven't been much help. Jonathan Kuminga is showing signs of improvement but the rest are still detrimental to the team.

They need someone to fill the void left by Otto Porter Jr., a 3-and-D veteran who knows his role. Jae Crowder fits that description perfectly. He has Finals experience, can set screens, knock down threes, defend and give the Golden State Warriors some much-needed size.

A couple of bumps for your holiday reading:

@BleacherReport
How the Golden State Warriors Could Swing a Jae Crowder Deal - Or what would be enough, in addition to Crowder, for the Warriors to sacrifice some of their top prospects? bleacherreport.com/articles/10056…

The only issue with this deal is that the Phoenix Suns would have to willingly help a divisional rival. Hence, for this trade to materialize, the Golden State Warriors need to create a package that pleases the Suns.

Jae Crowder hasn't been playing in rebellion anyway. He is upset that the front office didn't offer him an extension and has not laced up for a single game this season. He will happily put on a Warriors uniform if possible.

What assets do the Golden State Warriors have for a Jae Crowder trade?

James Wiseman (left) and Jonathan Kuminga on the Golden State Warriors bench [Source: SF Chronicle]

The Golden State Warriors, despite being a championship team with multiple max contracts, have a war chest of assets at their disposal. They have numerous young players and most of their future picks.

According to Heavy's Steve Bulpett, the Warriors might consider parting ways with a few young studs to acquire a veteran. As per a league executive, Bulpett wrote:

"I have a feeling the Warriors are going to make either (James) Wiseman or (Jonathan) Kuminga available. They just need another solid veteran. They think they’re decent enough talent-wise, but they just don’t think they can put those kids on the floor and execute."

NBA executive expects Golden State Warriors to trade James Wiseman or Jonathan Kuminga: ahnfiredigital.com/nba/golden-sta…

Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman are solid trade assets that other teams might be happy to accept. As mentioned earlier, Kuminga has earned coach Steve Kerr's trust and is getting major minutes in the rotation. Hence, he might not be on the trade block, but Wiseman can certainly be let go.

The 7-footer out of Memphis hasn't seen significant minutes this season because he was a liability in most lineups. He was recently downgraded to the NBA G League and could be on his way out. As per Steve Bulpett, the league executive continued:

"Wiseman might actually be more available than Kuminga…It’s not like they’d be looking for another GREAT player. Sometimes what you need is just a guy who’s reliable — a guy who knows what to do, knows what not to do. He’s not going to get in the stars’ way, and he’s going to be able to do the things necessary to help the team’s execution."

Jae Crowder, once again, fits that description. The Dubs could also explore trading Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, Moses Moody, or their picks.

Only time will tell if Steph Curry's injury and absence sends the Golden State Warriors into a downward spiral. It could be enough for them to panic and GM Bob Myers to make a flashy trade.