Trade Rumor: Lonzo Ball to the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors find themselves right in the middle of the NBA's playoff picture in the western conference and from the sounds of it could be looking to add some talent before the March 25th trade deadline. One name being mentioned by ESPN's NBA insiders, Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans.

The pending restricted free-agent would cost a pretty penny for the Warriors who would have a luxury tax bill through the roof for the next few seasons, and would have to deal the Minnesota Timberwolves first-round draft pick in the trade. The pick is top-3 protected but is still a huge carrot to dangle to other teams.

Here's what some of the best insiders in the game had to say about this deal:

One player who might fit in such a deal would be Lonzo Ball, whose improved 3-point shooting would make him an ideal fit with Stephen Curry in lineups where either player could handle the ball.

Adding Ball, a restricted free agent this summer, would be costly in terms of Golden State's luxury tax bill in 2021-22 and beyond. But he'd offer insurance in case Klay Thompson is unable to come back from his ACL and Achilles injuries at the same level and be an excellent option in smaller lineups with both Curry and Thompson.

One other factor for the Warriors to weigh is whether it makes sense to trade Oubre to cut this year's tax bill. If Golden State doesn't plan to re-sign Oubre, keeping him on the roster for a season that looks likely to result in a play-in appearance might not be worth the additional cost.

We'll certainly keep on eye on this deal over the next seven days. Get your popcorn ready, this week's going to be entertaining as hell!