Following their playoff elimination on Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors must address a pressing concern this offseason: finding a reliable starting center. The current strategy of deploying Draymond Green as a small-ball five has proven unsustainable, while Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quinten Post, and Kevon Looney have failed to establish themselves as consistent starters.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, two veteran big men previously linked to Golden State could again become available on the trade market. Two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls enters the final year of his contract worth $21.48 million and is expected to generate trade discussions again after drawing Warriors' interest near the trade deadline.
Similarly, Kelly Olynyk, whom Golden State has reportedly pursued before, might be available again. The 34-year-old stretch-five, now with the New Orleans Pelicans following trades to Toronto and then New Orleans this season, carries a $13.45 million expiring contract that makes him an appealing trade candidate.
Despite previous interest in both players, neither appears to offer the caliber of upgrade the Warriors need. Golden State boasted the league's top-ranked defense after the trade deadline, and Vucevic's notably weak rim protection wouldn't enhance their defensive capabilities. Recent performance data from Statbet shows elite centers significantly impact playoff success through both offensive versatility and defensive anchor roles.
Meanwhile, while Olynyk provides value as a floor-stretching big, his ceiling as a starter on a contending team remains questionable. His limited availability this season – appearing in just 44 games while averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists – raises durability concerns.
The Warriors' front office faces pressure to aim higher, potentially exploring sign-and-trade scenarios involving Jonathan Kuminga or pursuing alternative avenues to acquire a two-way center capable of keeping them competitive in an increasingly challenging Western Conference.
