The Warriors figure to have numerous options Thursday night when the 2021 NBA Draft finally commences.
While most expect the Warriors to either deal their lottery picks for veteran upgrades or try to move up for a star such as Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs, an intriguing trade-down possibility could be on the table.
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported Thursday that the Atlanta Hawks are offering young forward Cam Reddish and the No. 20 overall pick in an attempt to jump into the late lottery. Sources tell O'Connor that North Carolina big man Day'Ron Sharpe potentially is who the Hawks are targeting.
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The Warriors own the rights to the No. 14 pick, so this could be a way for them to add a talented, young 3-and-D wing while still selecting at No. 7 and again at No. 20.
Reddish, 21, missed a large chunk of last season because of an Achilles issue, but he played well in the final three games of the Hawks' Eastern Conference finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Reddish, at 6-foot-8, has the length and athleticism to bother the NBA's top wings, as he showed with his tenacious effort against Khris Middleton.
The Duke product entered the NBA as one of the top shooters in the 2019 class, but he struggled from distance in his two seasons with the Hawks. However, Reddish knocked down nine of his 14 attempts in three games against the Bucks, showing why the Hawks took him in the lottery two seasons ago.
Atlanta has a log jam at wing, so it's understandable why they would look to deal Reddish to move up and fill a need at the five.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have a big need for wings, especially with Kelly Oubre's return to Golden State looking less likely. Reddish would provide the Warriors with a young, two-way wing who can defend multiple positions, knock down outside shots and has a lot of potential.
Golden State has been linked to Oregon wing Chris Duarte at No. 14, but recent draft smoke suggests Duarte is trending upward, and he could be gone before the Warriors go on the clock for the second time in the first round. This trade would allow the Warriors to add a talented wing with NBA playoff experience, use the No. 7 pick on a higher upside player like Jonathan Kuminga, and still have a later first-round pick to either trade or use on a player such as Virginia's Trey Murphy or Baylor's Jared Butler, both of whom fit the Warriors' needs.
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If the Hawks truly are willing to attach Reddish to the No. 20 pick to jump up a few spots, it would behoove the Warriors to listen.
Reddish has a world of talent, and should thrive with a more consistent role and NBA champions surrounding him. You never can have too many wings in today's NBA, and Reddish can give Golden State exactly what it needs next season with the potential to reach a high ceiling.
If the Warriors leave Thursday's draft with a combination of Reddish, Kuminga, Franz Wagner, Butler and Murphy, it will be a job well done. It isn't Plan A, but it's not a bad backup.