The Golden State Warriors, much like their rivals the Los Angeles Lakers, face a glaring issue in their frontcourt. With limited assets like Kevon Looney and Quentin Post, the Warriors have leaned heavily on small-ball lineups to compensate. However, a blockbuster trade proposal could reshape their roster, bringing in a legitimate big man to anchor the paint and elevate their championship aspirations.
Heavy’s Adam Taylor recently highlighted the Warriors’ long-standing need for a talented center, noting, “These days, Steve Kerr can’t rely on his aging team to use its skill and speed to compensate for playing small.” To address this, Golden State may look to the trade market this summer, and one intriguing proposal involves swapping sharpshooter Buddy Hield for Cleveland Cavaliers star Jarrett Allen, along with forward Dean Wade.
The proposed deal would see the Warriors acquire Allen and Wade, while Cleveland would receive Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and draft capital. As part of a three-team trade, the Miami Heat would land Darius Garland and Moses Moody. This move would give Golden State a true rim protector and a versatile forward, addressing two critical roster needs.
Jarrett Allen, despite an inconsistent postseason with the Cavaliers, remains a highly valuable asset. The 27-year-old big man, who signed a three-year, $91 million extension in 2024, brings elite defensive rebounding, rim-running ability, and effectiveness as a lob threat and low-post defender. During the 2024-25 regular season, Allen averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 70.6% from the field across 82 games. His addition would allow Draymond Green to slide back to his natural power forward position, creating a more balanced and defensively stout frontcourt.
While losing Buddy Hield might sting for some Warriors fans, his inconsistent three-point shooting makes the trade less painful than it seems. Hield, a former Philadelphia 76ers guard, started the 2024-25 season hot from beyond the arc but cooled off significantly, finishing with a 37% three-point shooting percentage. His up-and-down performance from long range suggests he’s not the reliable sharpshooter Golden State needs to complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (assuming Thompson re-signs).
The Warriors’ front office should seriously consider Taylor’s trade proposal this summer. Acquiring Allen would address a critical weakness in the roster, giving Steve Kerr a dependable big man to anchor the defense and open up the floor for Golden State’s high-octane offense. Meanwhile, Dean Wade’s versatility as a forward would add depth and flexibility to the rotation. With the Warriors looking to maximize their championship window around Curry, Green, and Thompson, this bold move could be the key to returning to contender status.