Simmons, Lowe discuss intriguing Warriors-Nets-Pacers trade

Share

Today is a day that ends in "y," which means we need to inform you about another hypothetical trade involving the Warriors.

It practically is a rule at this point.

On the most recent episode of "The Lowe Post" podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons presented a three-team deal between the Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers:

Warriors get: Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, No. 19 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft

Nets get: Victor Oladipo

Pacers get: No. 2 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft

"I bet the Warriors don't do that," Lowe said after hearing the details.

"It doesn't feel like quite enough," Simmons said. "If Caris LeVert was in the Spencer Dinwiddie spot ..."

This is a pretty interesting proposal, though. Dinwiddie -- who did not play in the Orlando bubble after testing positive for COVID-19 -- averaged 20.6 points and 6.8 assists over 64 games last season. He is scheduled to make about $11.5 million next year, and has a $12.3 million player option in 2021-22.

The 27-year-old hasn't been very efficient, but it is fair to expect his shooting percentages to improve within the Warriors' system. He is a versatile playmaker, and can defend multiple positions at 6-foot-5.

Allen, the No. 22 overall draft pick in 2017, averaged 11.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks over 70 games in 2019-20. He is very versatile defensively, as he can hold his own when switched onto guards, while providing elite rim protection. Opponents shot just 51.7 percent at the rim against Allen, according to Second Spectrum.

Offensively, Allen is a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations, and would help space the floor for Golden State's shooters. But the 3-point shot is not a part of his game, as he went 0-for-6 from beyond the arc last season (and 6-for-45 in 2018-19).

The 22-year-old is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. But if he doesn't sign a new deal, he will make $3.9 million before becoming a restricted free agent in 2021.

As for the aforementioned LeVert -- some in the basketball world view him as a budding star, and believe he can give the Nets a "Big Three" when combined with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The biggest concern with LeVert, who is owed a little over $34.3 million the next two seasons combined, is his injury history.

Download and subscribe to the Runnin' Plays Podcast

If we assume LeVert is off the table, Dinwiddie and Allen in theory would be absorbed into the Warriors' $17.2 million traded player exception (full transparency -- I am not a salary cap expert). This dramatically would increase Golden State's luxury tax bill, but ownership would save money in terms of paying the No. 19 overall pick instead of the No. 2 overall pick.

RELATED: Report: Warriors 'blown away' by Avdija after in-person meeting

This deal would bolster Golden State's depth, as both players would be key rotation pieces. Additionally, the Warriors would keep Andrew Wiggins and still possess the Minnesota Timberwolves' very valuable 2021 top-three protected first-rounder.

But as Lowe and Simmons said, it's very possible that the Warriors' front office believes they can get an even better haul in exchange for the No. 2 overall pick. Or perhaps president of basketball operations Bob Myers simply would prefer to draft a prospect at that spot.

And all of this doesn't even take into account how Indiana and Brooklyn feel about these hypothetical parameters.

Fun food for thought, however, right?

Follow @DrewShiller on Twitter and Instagram

Contact Us