Three players Warriors should target at the trade deadline
The Golden State Warriors (26-26) have lost two straight games and are ninth in the Western Conference. With the trade deadline Thursday, the time to make a move is now.
Earlier this week, Warriors president/GM Bob Myers told 95.7 The Game that he wants to add to Golden State's "margin of error" and that "[currently] it's not a margin of error I'm entirely comfortable with."
With that in mind, here are three players who could add to Golden State's margin of error:
Jarred Vanderbilt, Utah Jazz
The 6-foot-9, 214-pound forward would be a seamless addition to this roster. The 23-year-old is averaging a career-high 8.5 points on 56% shooting from the field, 7.8 boards, a steal and 2.7 assists per game.
The Warriors' biggest problem is on defense. Vanderbilt is great defensively, with the ability to switch one through five, and his length is highly disruptive in on- and off-ball situations.
Per Michael Scotto, Vanderbilt will be available at the deadline for a first-round pick:
Matisse Thybulle, Philadelphia 76ers
Defense, defense, defense. The 6-foot-5, 201-pound two-guard is one of the best defenders in the league, with the ability to shut down a ball handler.
The 76ers seem ready to move on from the 25-year-old, who hasn't secured a consistent spot in their rotation.
Thybulle is averaging a career-low 12.1 minutes per game and has only started six games after starting 50 last season. His offensive game is limited, but with the Warriors' many shooting and scoring options they wouldn't need much from him on that end.
Thybulle may be a more likely candidate than Vanderbilt, as his asking price most likely won't require a first-rounder, and Golden State is reportedly already interested, per Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey.
Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs
The 7-1 245-pound big man checks multiple boxes for Golden State.
In 26 minutes per game this season, Poeltl averages 12 points on 62% shooting from the field, 9.1 boards, three assists and 1.2 blocks.
He's an all-around player who fills another hole for the Warriors: Size. With Golden State's lack of trust in James Wiseman, the Warriors could use another big. Poeltl can be that other big besides Kevon Looney and Draymond Green to set screens, finish at the rim and keep the ball hopping around.
If San Antonio is interested in moving Poeltl, Myers should be first on the phone.
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