The Golden State Warriors are seldom involved in NBA trade rumors because of the success they have experienced in the past three seasons. However, they are now back in this type of discussion because of rookie Jordan Bell.

When the season began, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr rarely used Jordan Bell. But, as December came in, the rookie out of Oregon received more playing time with the injury bug punishing the team's frontline. Bell is relishing the opportunity and is showing that the Warriors made the right move of using the 38th overall pick on him during the 2017 NBA Draft.

Sadly, the ascension of Bell led to a drop in minutes for JaVale McGee and Zaza Pachulia. In Golden State's Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bell even got the starting nod over Pachulia, who is at a hundred percent again after dealing with a shoulder woe recently. The latest developments resulted in NBA trade rumors and speculations centered on the veteran centers. One of them is from Marcus Thompson of The Athletic.

Thompson wrote in his report that the Warriors already spoke to the Milwaukee Bucks about a possible JaVale McGee trade. He added that the Bucks inquired about Pachulia and Bell as well. Though with the way Bell is performing, he is likely an untouchable for the reigning NBA champions.

Massive contributions

If the NBA trade rumors would come true, it will be difficult for the Golden State Warriors and their fans to say goodbye to either JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia, or both. The two had a significant impact on the Dubs' championship run last season.

McGee and Pachulia signed with Golden State ahead of the 2016-17 season.

In that campaign, Pachulia earned a spot in the starting lineup, while McGee was his backup. Their numbers may not show it, but they helped the Warriors big time, especially on defense. The defensive presence of these seasoned bigs brought balance to the Dubs, who are known for their offensive prowess. By the end of the season, that balance helped the franchise win its fifth NBA championship.

Homestand continues

Setting aside the NBA trade rumors, the Golden State Warriors will continue a seven-game homestand which is also their year-ender. After four games at the Oracle Arena, the Warriors are 3-1, only losing to the Denver Nuggets. On December 27, they have a chance to improve that record when they welcome the Utah Jazz. The Warriors are set to close the homestand with a back-to-back. On December 29, visiting them are the Charlotte Hornets. The Memphis Grizzlies will be in Oakland on the 30th.
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