The Golden State Warriors have kicked off their season in style, starting with a stellar 7-2 record including an impressive defeat of the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. However, despite their impressive early success, questions remain about their standing as a true title contender. While Stephen Curry continues to perform at an elite level (19.7 points per game despite missing three games) and Draymond Green anchors their defense, the absence of Klay Thompson, who departed in free agency, leaves a void that the Warriors have been trying to fill.
The additions of Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson have helped bring new energy and depth, but the Warriors may still lack the star power needed to push them over the edge against the league’s top teams. This early winning record presents an opportune moment for Golden State to consider a blockbuster trade, one that could elevate them from a competitive team to a genuine title favorite.
With Curry and Green still at the heart of this roster, the Warriors’ championship window remains open, but it won’t last forever. The urgency to make a big move is growing, especially before other teams respond to their hot start and make significant trades of their own. By acting fast, the Warriors could secure transformative talent before the trade market heats up, and we have five potential targets for them right now.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Recieve: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton, Lindy Waters III, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Finding a package to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a seismic move for the Warriors, instantly placing them as favorites in the Western Conference. As one of the most dominant two-way players in the game, Giannis brings unparalleled athleticism, relentless defense, and a forceful offensive presence.
Pairing Giannis with Curry would create a near-unbreakable core capable of rivaling any lineup across the league. With Giannis averaging 30.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season, his efficiency and energy on both ends of the court would transform Golden State’s dynamic.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the trade package provides a mix of young talent, including Kuminga, who is developing into a versatile forward, and draft picks that would support a longer-term rebuild after a few seasons of mistakes. Wiggins, a proven scorer and defender, could step up to help sustain the Bucks’ competitive edge in the short term.
The Bucks have finally ended a terrible 6-game losing streak with a victory against the Utah Jazz, and rumors of Giannis Anteotkounmpo having reasons to leave began to swirl. The Bucks might consider a blockbuster trade if their season freefalls, and a package centered around Kuminga with two picks isn’t the worst deal on the table.
2. Jimmy Butler
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick
Jimmy Butler’s relentless drive and playoff pedigree would bring an edge to the Warriors’ lineup that few players can match. With slightly lower averages of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season due to potential contract issues with the Heat, Butler’s two-way capabilities would still blend seamlessly with Curry and Green, creating a trio with both scoring power and defensive grit.
The Heat, on the other hand, could see value in this trade by bringing in Wiggins, a former All-Star who offers both scoring and versatility on defense. Melton and Podziemski add depth and future promise, while the first-round pick sweetens the deal, giving Miami assets to support a retooling process or potential future moves. Payton II’s familiarity with Miami’s intense defensive schemes would further add to their backcourt’s strength.
If the Warriors can fixate their interest on Butler and try to nab him before the player’s contract situation becomes a hot topic again in Miami, they’d add a fierce competitor who can take over games and elevate them in high-stakes moments, making this a potential game-changer in the pursuit of another championship.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick
Despite his battles with injuries without a single appearance this season, Kawhi Leonard remains one of the NBA’s most effective two-way players when healthy. His defensive presence, combined with an efficient scoring ability, would add depth and versatility to the Warriors’ lineup.
Leonard’s Finals MVP experience and his adaptability in high-stakes games would be invaluable alongside Curry. With career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, Kawhi’s ability to impact both ends of the court could make the Warriors the most formidable team in the West.
The Clippers, in return, would receive a solid package to aid in their retooling efforts. Wiggins, who has experience with Golden State’s title-winning system, offers scoring and defense, while Podziemski and Melton provide fresh talent and potential for future growth.
This trade would allow the Clippers to stay competitive in the short term while adding assets for future flexibility. If Golden State can pull off a trade for Kawhi Leonard, they’d instantly increase their defensive intensity and offensive firepower, which could be the final touch needed to push for another title.
4. Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2027 First-Round Pick
Myles Turner would address a critical area for the Warriors—interior defense and rebounding. Turner is one of the league’s premier shot blockers, with an average of 1.8 blocks per game, while also stretching the floor with his three-point shooting. Myles Turner’s ability to protect the paint would allow Green to focus more on the perimeter, and his shooting would give Curry and the Warriors’ offense more space to operate.
The Indiana Pacers receive a strong package that includes Kuminga, a young player with promising upside, as well as Jackson-Davis and a future first-round pick. This trade could fit well with Indiana’s timeline, especially as they continue to build around Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin.
By acquiring Turner, the Warriors would balance their lineup with much-needed size, enhancing their ability to contend against the West’s tougher frontcourts and strengthening their championship aspirations.
5. Brandon Ingram
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, 2031 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram would add offensive versatility to the Warriors, bringing in his smooth scoring touch and playmaking ability. With season averages of 22.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, Ingram’s presence would give Curry a dynamic partner who can create his own shot and facilitate offense.
The Warriors could acquire Ingram (who is a free agent after this season) in multiple methods, but a direct trade with the New Orleans Pelicans could be the best option. Ingram’s length and versatility on defense would also make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
For the Pelicans, receiving Wiggins and Melton would provide depth and defensive consistency. The future first-round pick gives New Orleans flexibility, adding to their wealth of young talent and draft assets as they continue building around Zion Williamson. This package could allow the Pelicans to stay competitive while keeping their long-term options open.
Adding Ingram to the Warriors would give them another reliable scorer, making the offense even harder to defend and providing Curry with another consistent option who can thrive under pressure.
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