Dubs in-depth: Should the Warriors target Marvin Bagley III?

Armed with the second-overall pick at the 2020 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors will look to add a significant piece as they get ready to challenge for the NBA title next season. There has been plenty of speculation about what the Dubs will do with the selection —use it, or trade it— as general manager Bob Myers fills out the roster around the core group of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

Golden State has a need at center with only Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss as the only big men on the roster. The Warriors could use the pick on a 5, such as James Wiseman or Onyeka Okongwu.

ESPN’s Andre Snellings says the Dubs can target a center who plays for the Sacramento Kings. Snellings proposed a deal between the clubs that would see the Warriors send the No. 2 pick to the Kings in exchange for Marvin Bagley III, and the 12th pick in this year’s draft.

“This trade would bring the Warriors a young center prospect who was a recent No. 2 overall pick himself. Bagley has both star potential and the talent to contribute right away to a Golden State team ready to rejoin the title chase. His career has been slowed by injury, which might deter the Warriors, but they’ve been built on undervalued stars and, at this stage of his career, Bagley fits that mold. With the No. 12 pick, the Warriors could still target another NBA-ready prospect such as Tyrese Haliburton or Devin Vassell to serve as a perimeter role player.”

Bagley had a frustrating 2019-20 season. A thumb injury held the 21-year-old to just 13 games his sophomore year. Bagley contributed when he was on the court, averaging 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. His bad luck with injuries carried over to the bubble. Bagley hurt his foot during practice before Sacramento’s first game of the restart and was done for the rest of the season.

The 6’11 Bagley has struggled defensively. His 114.6 defensive rating is tied for second-worst on the team, and the Kings gave up 12.6 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

Bagley has the athleticism to be a good rim-protector. He’s very athletic for his size, but his positioning needs some work. Sacramento’s head coach Luke Walton didn’t put Bagley in a position to succeed when he was healthy, so coming to a team like the Warriors —who have a great coaching staff— could bring out the best in him.

Snelling’s proposed deal allows the Dubs to keep a lottery pick. Although the 2020 draft isn’t loaded with top-end talent, most scouts believe it is deep, and Golden State would be able to add a young piece that is cost-controlled that won’t have pressure to produce right away.

The Warriors could land a player like Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro or Saddiq Bey at No. 12, which would give the team some much-needed depth. Bagley —a former No. 2 pick himself— would start at center next to Green. Myers still has the $17.2 million trade exception from the Andre Iguodala deal, plus the mid-level, and veterans exceptions at his disposal. If he can sign an impact free agent on the cheap, and add Bagley plus the 12th pick, Golden State’s roster would be loaded going into next season.

What do you think of Snellings’ proposed deal?

Another veteran who could be available this offseason Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. NBC Sports Insider Tom Haberstroh says the Dubs have the pieces to acquire the All-Star.

Curry has faced criticism throughout his career. Kelefa Sanneh did a nice piece on Steph detailing his path to the NBA, how he’s handled the pandemic, and more. (CBS)

Could the Warriors use their second-round pick to try and trade for a proven veteran to come off the bench? Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley says Golden State could make a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If Georgia guard Anthony Edwards gets picked first, which wing would the Warriors look at with the second pick? Wes Goldberg of The Mercury News says Golden State prefers Deni Avdija over Okoro.