Editor’s note: Kerith Burke, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Warriors reporter, will take you inside the Dubs as only she can each Friday with the Ask Kerith Mailbag. Send her a question on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #askKerith.
Tip-Off
A couple hours after the NBA trade deadline, Logan Murdock and I digested the Warriors' trade news on the Runnin’ Plays podcast.
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I got to air out my feelings that I understand exactly why the Warriors made these moves to obtain Andrew Wiggins, a promising player, and a collection of picks for the future. But in the moment, processing the fact that the Warriors unloaded six out of their 14 players feels like a bloodbath.
All season the speculation that massive moves were coming hung in the air. It’s not a surprise that the Warriors planned for the future, but they have to get through the present as well. Saying goodbye to six people is tough. Farewell D’Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman, Jacob Evans, Glenn Robinson III, Alec Burks, and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Read the Warriors trade deadline recap here.
Golden State Warriors
Learn about Wiggins here and what could help him fit in the Warriors’ culture.
It’s a lot to process, and it feels weird doing a mailbag this week. This morning, I deleted 80 percent of what I wrote on the plane home from Brooklyn. Oh well.
Game On!
@RockswellJake Hi Kerith, what impact do you think having the Warriors culture with Kerr + leaders like Steph, Klay, and Dray are going to have on Wiggins and if it is positive, what do you think his ceiling is taking into consideration the Warriors style of play?
Golden State is a quality place to learn and rehabilitate reputations. Players find new life here.
The Warriors saw enough potential in Wiggins to make the trade. He turns 25 on Feb. 23, so he has plenty of youth and upside to make this experiment worthwhile.
Wiggins will need to step up his defense. There must be accountability on his end, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt that a new environment can shake up his habits.
This data-based article is a neat look at Wiggins’ positives and negatives. One take away is Wiggins’ shot selection is the best it's been in his career.
The ideal outcome is a starting five of Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Draymond, and Kevon Looney. Alongside these guys, anyone new will see their game rise.
@kelcatinc Hi Kerith, are you able to gauge how serious the front office is with a possible DLo trade, or are they just entertaining the idea? Seems he would be a good backup to give Steph a breather...since Quinn isnt here. But more importantly, what is your favorite filipino dish???
@DavidGrisar A Russell trade will be talked about a ton, does any scenario make sense to trade him now rather than this summer?
These questions obviously came in before the trade deadline, and here’s the answer I wrote before the Warriors traded D’Angelo:
The Warriors will listen to all offers. They want picks for the future and/or young, impressive talent. D’Angelo is a young, impressive talent himself. He’s valuable. Any deal better be worth it.
The Warriors got Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round draft pick, and a 2021 second-round draft pick from Minnesota in exchange for D’Angelo, Omari, and Jacob.
Those picks join the trio they got from Philadelphia (second-round draft picks in 2020, 2021, and 2022) from Philadelphia in exchange for Robinson and Burks.
The Warriors also got a 2020 second-round draft pick from the Mavericks for Willie Cauley Stein.
That’s a plethora of picks, something the Warriors sorely needed to bring in fresh pieces each year, or bundle in future arrangements.
The Warriors’ actions now, instead of delaying a D’Lo trade until the summer (or not at all?), reminds me of the expression a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Secure what’s possible now.
My favorite filipino food is lumpia.
@antonio_eveun What are the plans the Warriors have at the end of this season, Kerith? We all know this one is lost already.
I understand why fans believe a season with no playoffs is a lost one, but times of struggle aren’t wasted. Everything matters on the journey.
The Warriors have declared, with air horns and fireworks at the trade deadline, that they’re reloading for next year with the goal of being a championship contender again. But what does that mean now for the guys who have to slog through February, March, and April?
Well ... don’t see it as a slog. Recognize that growth is happening now with minutes and experience. Recognize that injuries are tough, but they’re forcing Steph and Klay to rest. They’ll be physically and mentally ready for next season. Recognize that the outline for successful years to come is being drawn up now.
This season still has meaning for the rookies, or players like Marquese Chriss and Ky Bowman who want contracts. Damion Lee wants to prove he earned his deal and that he deserves another one. Steph is coming back. There’s chemistry to build.
A losing record is not fun, but every step matters.
@RobinKristy Curious about the huge wraps/pads that some players (like Draymond, por ejemplo) have on knees or other body parts while on bench DURING game. Seems unlikely these are cold/ice since they’re often back in to play. Are they to keep joint warm?
This season, I see Draymond, Marquese, and Eric Paschall waddle out at half time like Michelin Men with wraps around their knees. The wraps are holding heating pads, and heat is used to keep muscles or joints from tightening.
Generally speaking, heat helps mobility. Ice helps reduce inflammation. Ice is a post-game treatment.
Via IG, @bassetlover asks, Since getting this job has there been a particular city that you’ve been surprised with how much you’ve enjoyed visiting? #askKerith
Memphis. It’s a good food city. The music is fun. And the National Civil RIghts Museum should be a requirement for every American.
@UnsungHeroesLHP Are you keeping to your word regarding self-care during the season?
I’m trying. On the road, I keep my routine tight: Practice, workout, healthy dinner. I don’t do many touristy things (exceptions made in Memphis!) or stay out late visiting friends. It’s a business trip. I keep things boring by design.
At home, surprisingly, is where I feel most overwhelmed. All the things I put on pause during road trips come back to swamp me. My life comes back in the off-season. I don’t feel bad when I don’t work much in the summer.
[RELATED: Did Warriors get everything they wanted?]
High Five!
Via IG, @renegadegabe asks, What’s your favorite perk working for NBC Sports Bay Area / with the Warriors?
I like seeing empty arenas. As the team walks in for shootaround, it’s a privilege to join them and see legendary buildings in the quiet moments.
It’s also a luxury to travel with the Warriors but not step entirely into their world with the sour things that come with fame and money and relentless scrutiny. I’m sheltered while I’m adjacent to their spaces during the season. My slice of NBA life is as a reporter. I’m thankful I get to tell the stories of some of the best people to ever play the game.