Grade the Mock Trade: Blazers move Robert Williams III to balance out roster
By Reese Kunz
Portland acquires Reggie Jackson and Moses Moody
Robert Williams to Warriors
The Warriors would be taking a gamble on Williams' health, but the risk seems built into the trade from Golden State's perspective. Looney and Moody only averaged 16.1 minutes and 17.5 minutes per game last season, respectively. As is, the Warriors' roster isn't competitive enough to contend for a title, missing the playoffs entirely this past season.
They need to do something to try and squeeze another championship run before Stephen Curry and Draymond Green's window expires, and the best-case scenario of getting close to an entire season out of Williams is the type of risk that makes sense given their current standing in the Western Conference.
They'd undoubtedly miss Moody's shooting but get another intriguing guard prospect in Rupert. Although Rupert may be a downgrade from Moody, the main point of the trade is to acquire Williams, who helps them win next season.
The Warriors have been straddling the line of their two timelines in an attempt to extend their dynasty, but something finally has to give. They don't have enough star power to make a deep playoff run and don't have enough up-and-coming players outside of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to feel confident about the post-Curry era, who is now 36 years old.