
Getty
Moses Moody and Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors high five during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets.
The Golden State Warriors are walking a financial tightrope. And right now, anyone outside the Warriors’ core three feels far from untouchable.
As the team continues to juggle its aging stars, luxury tax penalties, and a contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga, difficult choices are on the horizon. That includes the future of Moses Moody, who just wrapped up the most productive season of his career.
In a recent ClutchPoints article, writer Jedd Pagaduan suggested Moody could be a potential trade piece. Not because the Warriors want to move him, but because they may need to.
Warriors Trade Outlook: Moody on the Block?
Getty Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he scored against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It’s not hard to see why Moody’s name is coming up. His age, contract, and skill set make him an attractive trade chip. He averaged 9.8 points per game last season while shooting 43.3% from the field and 37.4% from three. He also knocked down a career-best 1.7 triples per game.
But his playoff performance was a mixed bag. After holding his own in the first round against Houston, Moody struggled in the Western Conference Semifinals against Minnesota. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a calf injury, Moody couldn’t find his rhythm. He averaged just 3.6 points on 22.2% shooting and hit only 27.3% from deep.
Pagaduan noted that Moody “seemed to come into his own following the addition of Jimmy Butler, but he lost a bit of steam towards the end of the year and was borderline unplayable in the playoffs.”
At just 23 years old, Moody fits the mold of what the Warriors need — a wing who can defend and shoot. In many ways, he’s been a more natural fit in Steve Kerr’s system than Kuminga. But if the Warriors want to pursue a significant sign‑and‑trade for Kuminga, someone like Moody may have to be included just to make the numbers work. And that kind of sacrifice might be necessary to improve the team’s ceiling.
The Bigger Picture for Golden State
Golden State is trying to win now, and that often means letting go of promising pieces to support the bigger picture. Moody has shown growth. His defense on the perimeter remains solid, and his shooting continues to trend upward.
But his place in the rotation isn’t always guaranteed. Draymond Green and Butler are going to eat up minutes. The front office may prioritize adding depth elsewhere. And if Moody is what it takes to unlock a bigger deal — especially one involving Kuminga — the Warriors might be willing to make that call.
It’s not a report. But the suggestion from Pagaduan reflects a growing reality. Golden State doesn’t have the luxury of standing pat. And that means everyone, even a recent first-round pick, could be on the table.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins