'We're not going to find better players': Warriors HC Steve Kerr weighs in on trade deadline

As the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches and the Golden State Warriors continue to search for their identity amid a challenging and emotional season, speculation is rife about potential moves to rejuvenate their disappointing campaign. 

However, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr seems unconvinced of a major trade. 

"We're not going to find better players than [Chris Paul and Gary Payton II] in a trade," Kerr said on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game. "It's exceedingly rare to make a deal where you can upgrade your talent to that level."

Both Paul (hand fracture) and Payton (hamstring strain) have been sidelined with injuries since early January, but the two are reportedly making steady progress towards a return to action in the coming weeks. 

While Paul and Payton provide value to this team -- Paul offensively and Payton defensively -- are they truly better than any other possible acquisitions? 

The Athletic's Shams Charania, on "The Kenny Beecham Podcast," said he believes there's a "50/50" chance that the Warriors and first-year general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. make a move. This speculation comes just three weeks since he said, "The mindset in Golden State right now is everyone but Steph Curry is on the table."

Currently positioned in 12th in the Western Conference standings with a 20-24 record, the Warriors are just a short leap away from the 9th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (25-25). There remains a genuine possibility for Golden State to make a significant push into playoff contention, echoing the recent successes of play-in teams like last season's Lakers and the Miami Heat, both of whom made deep playoff runs in their respective conferences.

Only three years into its existence, the NBA has already seen two play-in teams make deep playoff runs in their respective conferences. 

With high-impact layers like Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers) and OG Anunoby (New York Knicks) no longer available, it's unclear who remains on the trade market that could alter the Warirors' fortunes. It seems increasingly likely that any resurgence for Golden State will need to stem internally, particularly with the return of Paul and Payton.

But will that be enough to put Golden State in a position to make a late-season turnaround? Only time will tell.