In the wake of losing seasoned veterans Klay Thompson and Chris Paul, the Golden State Warriors face a challenging upcoming season. ESPN predicts that Steve Kerr’s team could rank eighth in the Western Conference during the 2024-2025 season, potentially needing to navigate through the play-in tournament to secure a playoff berth. Without Thompson to draw defensive attention, Stephen Curry will likely encounter more aggressive double-teaming strategies from opponents. Role players like Buddy Hield, Donte DiVincenzo, and De’Anthony Melton might struggle to shoulder the burden alongside Curry. Additionally, the Warriors’ interior defense has been significantly weakened, particularly with the declining form of center Kevon Looney, prompting general manager Larry Riley to seek reinforcements.

According to reports by The Fadeaway World, a potential three-team trade involving the Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks is being discussed ahead of training camp. If negotiations progress smoothly, the Rockets could acquire Jalen Green's fellow draft classmate, Moses Moody, who was selected higher than Alperen Şengün. The Warriors aim to bolster their frontcourt with Onyeka Okongwu from the Hawks. The proposed trade would involve:

1. Warriors: Trade Moses Moody, Kevon Looney, and a protected 2026 first-round pick (1-4) for Onyeka Okongwu.

2. Rockets: Trade Jae'Sean Tate and a 2027 second-round pick from Memphis for Moses Moody.

3. Hawks: Trade Onyeka Okongwu for Kevon Looney, Jae'Sean Tate, a protected future first-round pick, and a future second-round pick.

Okongwu, 23 years old, stands at 6'10" with a wingspan of 7'2" and weighs 245 pounds. This season, he averaged 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 25.5 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 61.1% from the field. Okongwu is not a traditional center; instead, he embodies the modern NBA big man, combining strength with athletic prowess. He excels in offensive rebounding and finishing at the rim, making him a perfect fit for Coach Kerr's switch-heavy defensive scheme despite his lack of a mid-range game.

Pairing Okongwu with Jonathan Kuminga in the paint offers a tantalizing prospect for the Warriors, potentially boosting their chances of securing a playoff spot. For the Rockets, acquiring Moody, a 22-year-old shooting guard, makes sense as he provides depth and a promising young talent. Last season, Moody averaged 8.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 17.4 minutes, shooting 36% from beyond the arc. However, due to a lack of self-creation skills and playing time constraints under Coach Kerr, Moody struggled to find his rhythm. With the Rockets, head coach Ime Udoka, known for his willingness to give opportunities based on performance, could offer Moody the chance to blossom. Playing alongside young stars like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., Moody could see his shooting abilities flourish in a more nurturing environment.

This proposed trade could reshape the rosters of all three teams, offering immediate help and long-term potential. It remains to be seen whether these discussions will materialize into a finalized deal, but the implications for each franchise are significant, especially as they prepare for the upcoming season.