The Smart Plan For The Warriors To Create A Super Defensive Team Around Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors have undergone major changes in their roster this season, moving on from Klay Thompson and re-tooling with De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield. However, the Warriors can continue building their roster by creating a perfect defensive team around Stephen Curry (and Draymond Green) to potentially give the team a chance to compete for an NBA championship and it involved two trades with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.

Golden State Warriors Receive: Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks

Houston Rockets Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick

Acquiring Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks significantly bolsters the Warriors' defensive capabilities. Sengun, a 6'10" center, has demonstrated notable growth in his defensive game. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 0.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, indicating his proficiency in protecting the rim and disrupting passing lanes. His 3.1 defensive win shares further underscores his impact on the floor, making him a valuable addition to the Warriors' frontcourt. Sengun also averaged 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game which indicates he will soon reach All-Star status. 

Dillon Brooks is renowned for his tenacious defense on the perimeter. In the 2023-24 season, he was a defensive anchor for the Rockets, averaging 0.9 steals per game. Brooks also boasts a 2.1 defensive win shares as one of the best wing defenders in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions and his relentless energy on the defensive end would complement the Warriors' existing defensive schemes, providing a much-needed boost on the perimeter.

Trading Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga, along with future first-round picks, is a significant move, but it strategically aligns with the Warriors' goal to maximize their current championship window with Stephen Curry. Wiggins, while a solid defender, has a higher offensive usage rate that can be redistributed to focus more on a defensive identity. Kuminga, a young talent with potential, has yet to fully develop into a consistent defensive force. The addition of Sengun and Brooks would immediately elevate the Warriors' defense to an elite level, creating a formidable barrier for opposing teams.

A Shocking Trade For Former DPOY Winner Marcus Smart

The second step to completing a super defensive team around Stephen Curry is to consult the Memphis Grizzlies for a trade involving Marcus Smart.

Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Marcus Smart

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski

Bringing in Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, would further solidify the Warriors' defensive unit. Smart's defensive acumen is well-documented; he averaged 2.1 steals per game in the 2023-24 season, and his defensive rating of 113.5 showcases his ability to impact the game on that end of the floor. His experience and leadership would be invaluable for the Warriors, providing them with a seasoned defender capable of locking down the league's best guards.

Gary Payton II is a valuable defender, but Marcus Smart offers a more comprehensive defensive skill set and greater versatility. Smart can guard multiple positions, from point guards to small forwards, and his intensity and basketball IQ are unparalleled. In the 2022-23 season, Smart also averaged 14.5 points and 4.3 assists per game, highlighting his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining his defensive focus. His presence would free up Stephen Curry to focus more on his offensive game, knowing he has a reliable defensive partner.

Trading Payton II and Brandin Podziemski might be a tough decision, but the benefits of acquiring Smart outweigh the costs. Smart's proven track record and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him an ideal fit for the Warriors. His addition would create a defensive lineup that could stifle any offensive threat, providing the Warriors with a well-rounded, championship-caliber team built around Stephen Curry's offensive prowess and an elite defensive core.

The Warriors Surround Stephen Curry With The Perfect Roster

The Golden State Warriors lineup (both starters and bench) will look stacked around Stephen Curry to maximize the point guard’s superior offensive talents by taking care of the other end of the court.

Starters: Stephen Curry, Marcus Smart, Dillon Brooks, Draymond Green, Alperen Sengun

Key Bench Players: De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney

The Golden State Warriors have crafted a formidable roster around Stephen Curry, making them prime title contenders. By acquiring defensive stalwarts like Marcus Smart and Dillon Brooks, the Warriors significantly enhances their perimeter defense, allowing Curry to focus on his offensive brilliance. Alperen Sengun adds a much-needed presence in the paint, both defensively and offensively, while Draymond Green continues to anchor the defense with his versatility and leadership.

The bench, featuring key contributors like De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kevon Looney, provides a blend of defense, shooting, and depth, ensuring the team can maintain its intensity throughout games. This revamped lineup not only complements Curry's strengths but also creates a balanced, resilient team capable of competing at the highest level, positioning the Warriors as strong contenders for the NBA championship.

The Warriors would also be poised to compete for a top-4 seed in the Western Conference, challenging powerhouses like the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nuggets. The seasoned leadership and playoff experience of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green provide a strategic edge, especially in playoff games. 

Their defensive upgrades enable them to effectively guard against superstar players such as Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, and the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray from the Nuggets. With Marcus Smart and Dillon Brooks anchoring the perimeter defense and Alperen Sengun fortifying the interior, the Warriors possess the defensive versatility and resilience needed to neutralize top opponents.