By james art The Golden State Warriors will miss Stephen Curry for at least the next two games as he deals with a sprained ankle, the team announced. In his absence, the Warriors will look to build on their 2-1 start, though as their star ages, adding some backcourt insurance may become a priority.
Curry thrives as both a threat and a threat, so the Warriors can add any established guard to their rotation. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are off to the best start in the NBA, they may want to hold on to some key pieces, but in an effort to add wings around Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs may be tempted to trade Darius Garland, who has often been involved in trade rumors.
Garland is signed through the 2027-28 season and will become a long-term player in Golden State, possibly surpassing Curry. An All-Star in 2022, Garland boasts impressive career averages of 18.4 points, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 38.6 percent from three.
The Warriors could trade Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II and a first-round pick to Cleveland, bolstering their perimeter defense, for Garland, who will take over in a small-ball backcourt. With Curry healthy, the Warriors will likely start him, Garland, Buddy Hield, Draymond Green and Trace Jackson-Davis with Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Cuminga, De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Kevin Looney playing bench roles.
The Warriors are likely only making this move if they suspect their superstar will be hampered long-term, as their two 35-point-plus wins to start the season suggest their cast can dominate the league, albeit with an aging core. The Warriors can add some insurance with the future in mind.
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