NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors are coming out to play

The NBA All-Star break is over, and the league's annual trade deadline is less than three weeks away. Let’s look into some of the biggest rumors swirling around the Association right now.

Nuggets looking to add a shooter

The Denver Nuggets have stepped up their game after a disappointing start to the 2020-21 season. They now sit at 21-15 and sixth in the Western Conference standings. One thing the Nuggets need to do to become a contender is add some scoring to help ease the burden on Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

The Orlando Magic are sellers in this market and have some scorers that could fit the bill. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor has reported that the Nuggets have made an inquiry about a trade for Terrence Ross, and may be willing to unload Gary Harris to acquire him.

Ross has been a proven bench scorer this season, averaging 15.5 points per game, and is one of the leaders in the Sixth Man of the Year race. He's an attractive piece that could help the Nuggets compete with the Lakers, Clippers, and Jazz atop the conference standings.

Thunder looking to move their vets

The Oklahoma City Thunder made moves in the offseason with an eye on the future. Now is the time to double down by unloading some veterans that have outperformed expectations.

Thunder beat reporter Royce Young has reported the team is willing to part ways with the trio of Al Horford, George Hill, and Mike Muscala. OKC will be looking at contenders willing to give up more draft capital or young prospects as the franchise looks towards 2022 and beyond.

Horford will be the toughest sell, as he is still owed $27.5 million over the next three years. However, Muscala is on his final year of his very cheap contract, and Hill only has one year and $10 million left on his deal.

The Milwaukee Bucks would certainly be a team interested in the talent of Muscala coming off the bench, and could give up the likes of Jordan Nwora and draft capital.

Desperation time in Boston

The Boston Celtics have struggled this season, to say the least. They currently sit at 19-17 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics need some more talent to compete with the likes of the 76ers, Nets, and Bucks, and they need it now.

One rumor that makes sense could be the addition of Jerami Grant from Detroit. The Celtics would have to be willing to part ways with Marcus Smart, but imagine Grant paired with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wings. Grant is having a career season, averaging 23.4 points per game, and this trio could be a deadly force with Kemba Walker and an arsenal of hard-working big men to surround them.

Warriors have bullets in the chamber

The Golden State Warriors are currently sitting at 19-18 and are ninth in the Western Conference after hitting a three game losing streak before the All-Star break. However, they have a ton of trade assets if they want to get Steph Curry some immediate help for a run this season.

Outside of Bradley Beal, no trade asset is more valuable than the draft pick that is owed to the Warriors by the Timberwolves. It is top three protected in 2021, but is completely unprotected next year! The Timberwolves are the worst team in the league and there are no signs of a quick improvement in the second half of the season.

The Warriors could also be looking to move Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins, and are reportedly targeting Andre Drummond and Nikola Vucevic.

Expect to hear Golden State's name often as the trade deadline nears.