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NBA analyst says Warriors should trade for Nets star
Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1). Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

NBA analyst says Warriors should trade for Brooklyn Nets star

Languishing in 12th in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are at a critical juncture. With the Feb. 8 trade deadline looming, a significant roster shakeup seems inevitable. 

"Everyone but Steph Curry is on the table," Shams Charania said on FanDuel's "Run It Back" show.

Could the Warriors (18-22) trade for Nets star Mikal Bridges? NBA analyst Jason Timpf of the The Volume suggested Golden State think big.

"Let's say Golden State calls up Brooklyn, and they offer Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, and they ask for Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith?" he said on the "Hoops Tonight" podcast. 

Bridges is averaging 21.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. His efficiency has taken a slight decline this season to 45.2 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three.

As the primary focus of defenses, Bridges should not be surprised his numbers have fluctuated. Alongside Curry, such defensive attention would diminish, which should enhance his offensive efficiency. 

For Golden State, acquiring Bridges is a no-brainer if the Nets are willing to deal. Bridges' ability to excel off-ball and provide elite point-of-attack defense would fill a gap left by Wiggins this season. Moreover, Bridges' durability is unmatched — he hasn't missed a game in his NBA career. 

However, there's no guarantee Brooklyn is interested in jettisoning the 27-year-old forward. 

"I believe Brooklyn's intent remains to build and add talent around [Bridges]," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this month. 

The prospect of pairing rising star Cam Thomas with Kuminga, who is only 21 and brimming with potential, is the logical move for the Nets. 

Moody is also just 21 and would be another building block for Brooklyn, whereas Bridges simply doesn't align with their development timeline. By the time Thomas, Kuminga and Moody reach their ceiling, Bridges will likely be at the end of his prime. 

Trading Kuminga would be a hard call for Golden State. "There are higher-ups in the organization that are infatuated with Kuminga," ESPN's Kendra Andrews said recently on "The Lowe Post."

Nonetheless, the acquisition of Bridges — a player who could propel the Warriors back into playoff contention with his two-way capabilities — presents an opportunity too valuable to pass up. If the Nets are willing to deal, the Warriors should make the leap.

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