Golden State Eyes Trade for Claxton Gafford Williams

Merlin sees Golden State at 13 wins and 15 losses, sitting ninth in the West and exposed by a lack of paint presence. The Warriors are scouting Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams and Nic Claxton to boost rebounding and rim defense. Claxton is the clear star option at 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 56.4 percent. Golden State ranks 24th in rebounds at 51.6 per game and last in points in the paint at 41.4, so a big man is a pressing need and could cost Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski. Merlin notes the league’s giants Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Zion Williamson and Kevin Durant expose the Warriors’ interior weakness. Claxton would change matchups immediately but demands value. Gafford or Williams bring athleticism and lower cost but less track record in heavy minutes. Expect movement before the deadline if Golden State intends to remain a true title threat.