The Warriors are in a bit of a pickle. That’s because their hot 11-3 start could take a hit with De’Anthony Melton getting sidelined due to a season ending ACL surgery. Obviously, his two-way presence has been key in the team’s success so far and the injury is a devastating blow. Moreover, Brandin Podziemski has also failed to elevate his game from his rookie year the way Dub Nation expected. And that begs the question… Should the Warriors make a trade?

With Melton being unavailable, they now have a massive void in their offense as he was averaging 10.3 points prior to the injury. Meanwhile, Podziemski’s numbers have seen a massive decline from last year. Surprisingly, his scoring average has dropped from nearly ten points to 7.8. And he is shooting an abysmal 19.1% from deep so far. Sure enough, this has led to Steve Kerr reducing his playing time in recent games as he is averaging even lesser minutes than his rookie season. And that could hurt the team later in the season, which is why a trade might be the next step forward. Here are three potential targets:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Well, it would be a dream scenario for the Bay Area franchise if Giannis and Steph joined forces. Obviously, this will come at a very hefty price as acquiring The Greek Freak would demand trading away a lot of current and future assets. But this might be the Warriors’ best opportunity to do so because the Bucks are struggling to get wins this season and many believe Giannis could demand a trade if the team is unable to contend for a title.

Moreover, there was also rumored interest from the Rockets for a potential trade pursuit, but Athletic’s Kelly Iko shut them down immediately, “The Rockets are not interested in breaking up their core for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo… Houston, sitting at 10-5 and a game out of first in the West, remains focused on developing its young players as a collective.” Yes, the Rockets are unlikely to make any big changes considering how successful they have been this year. And this gives the Warriors a chance to pursue The Greek Freak.

It was only two years ago that Giannis deemed Steph “the best player in the world”, which makes a future team up even more likely.

2. Myles Turner

Obviously, the Bucks will not let go of Giannis so easily. In that scenario, Joe Lacob can also target Myles Turner. Although Melton and Podz are guards, making the trade to add a big man seems more beneficial for the team because the Warriors’ current backcourt has been performing exceptionally with Stephen Curry leading the charge. Of course, that’s because Kerr has been utilizing the team’s depth with the twelve-man rotation. Moreover, size has been a concern for the team as they do not have an All-Star calibre Center to protect the paint.

That’s where Turner comes in. Well, he is a monster on both ends, averaging 17.6 points and nearly two blocks this year. And the Warriors could do serious damage in the postseason with him in the lineup. Moreover, he is in the final year of his deal, so the Pacers could entertain an intriguing offer. Another solid trade option is Alperen Sengun, who has been on a significant rise in Houston. This season alone, he is averaging a 17.5-point double-double with eleven rebounds. However, he recently inked a five-year extension, which makes the trade a long-term commitment for the Warriors.

3. Markelle Fultz

Apart from these big men, there are also some suitable guard options who would be the perfect role players to make up for Melton’s absence. Obviously, Fultz is the first name that comes to mind as he is currently a free agent after spending five years in Orlando. Despite being deemed a bust by many, he has turned his career around and become a solid role player. During his time in Orlando, he averaged 11.6 points, which is similar to Melton and Brandin’s production.

Meanwhile, another notable name is Landry Shamet, who was recently waived by the Knicks. Well, he is also a solid role player with decent shooting ability and could add nearly ten points off the bench. Obviously, these signings will also be much easier on the Warriors’ pocket. Who do you think they should pursue?