The Warriors have talked for a while about upgrading at small forward, and the Contra Costa Times reports they aren't aiming low. Golden State has long since had interest in Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, who is exactly the playmaking athlete the Warriors need at small forward. Other small forwards high on their list, according to league sources, are Portland's Nick Batum, Indiana's Danny Granger and Memphis' Rudy Gay. And don't be surprised if the Warriors make a play for Atlanta forward Josh Smith.
Trading the No. 7 pick for a veteran wouldn't rule out the Warriors' filling a need with a rookie from this year's draft. The Warriors could potentially move up using their other three picks and have a shot at Illinois center Meyers Leonard, St. Bonaventure power forward Andrew Nicholson or maybe even Kentucky's Jones (who some mocks have falling out of the lottery).
via Golden State Warriors thrilled they have seventh spot in lottery - ContraCostaTimes.com.
One by one:
The Sixers have held out trading Iguodala multiple times over the past three years and never seem to get enough value to move him. Coming off what you could consider to be his best season in his career, it's hard to see him moved for whatever the Warriors are trying to unload. David Lee could have some value to the Sixers were they to trade Elton Brand or amnesty him, but neither is likely.
The Blazers have held onto Batum like he's the precious to their Gollem. Good luck with that.
Memphis is an interesting option. The Grizzlies need a backup center, badly, so Andris Biedrins could be an option. They also need shooters, and Dorrell Wright is a crack perimeter guy. If the Warriors were to be willing to part with Klay Thompson, that's a game changer for them. That's a deal that could get done in tandem with the No. 7.
The Pacers will likely hold onto Granger, as the Warriors don't offer much they can't obtain through other means, and Granger might be able to pull more value, despite being arguably the third best of Iguodala, Gay, and himself.
The Hawks will apparently never trade Josh Smith just to spite him.
The prospects aren't great, but we've seen some strange things happen. If they can get one of those teams wanting to make huge changes without getting top value back, it could happen.
