The Golden State Warriors went into the 2025-26 NBA season with title aspirations. With a veteran core featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the Warriors were primed to be a competitive unit. Unfortunately, nearly two months into the regular season, the Dubs are struggling to get back into the habit of winning.
At 13-12 for the season, Golden State sits barely above .500. Currently placed eighth in the Western Conference standings, the Warriors are far from being in a favorable position.
Much of the team’s shortcomings can be attributed to their inconsistent performances and their defensive woes. When considering their offensive rating of 112.7 (20th in the NBA) as well, Golden State could certainly benefit from making some upgrades.
On this note, we will explore a three-team trade idea that could help the Warriors solve their pressing roster issues, effectively putting them in a better position to compete in the West.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas
Detroit Pistons Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 first-round pick (DET), 2028 first-round pick (GSW), 2030 first-round pick (GSW)
The Pistons Solidify Their Status As Contenders
The Detroit Pistons would be one of the three teams involved in this deal. While they would be playing the role of a facilitator, the Pistons would also gain a lot from making this trade.
With the acquisition of Michael Porter Jr., Detroit would effectively solidify its status as a title contender. Considering that Porter Jr. would be replacing Tobias Harris in the lineup, the Pistons may see this move as a massive upgrade.
Michael Porter Jr. is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league. While positioning himself as an elite sharpshooter, the 27-year-old forward also possesses strong rebounding skills and elite off-ball movement.
With averages of 25.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range this season, he could serve as a valuable perimeter threat on the Pistons. When also factoring in his championship experience, he could be a significant addition to the roster.
The Nets Gain Several Assets
For the Brooklyn Nets, this trade scenario helps with their rebuild. With the addition of three first-round picks, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Tobias Harris, and Jaden Ivey, the Nets would see a lot of benefit in making this deal.
Jonathan Kuminga’s addition could be considered the most significant. Given that the forward finds himself on the trade block following reports of growing frustration with his role, joining a new team could be in his best interests.
Although he hasn’t been as effective this season, averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, he boasts enough potential to suggest that he could be a star-caliber player in the right environment.
Along with Kuminga, the Nets would acquire Moses Moody from the Warriors, who has positioned himself as a reliable two-way player. With averages of 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game this season, he could easily carve out a place for himself in the starting lineup.
From the Pistons, Brooklyn would be acquiring two expiring contracts in the form of Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey. While the Nets could gain significant cap flexibility next summer by acquiring them, given their combined contract value of $36.6 million, Brooklyn may also see merit in their ability to contribute.
Harris has positioned himself as a reliable scoring threat, averaging 14.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Ivey possesses immense potential as an athletic guard with scoring upside.
Although he has fallen out of Detroit’s rotation, resulting in reduced averages of 7.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season, he could be a strong addition if given a more relevant role.
The Warriors Address Their Roster Issues
For the Warriors, this trade could be the ideal way of turning their season around. With Kuminga’s hypothetical departure, Golden State would bring in some productive replacements in the form of Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas.
Nic Claxton’s addition serves to address the team’s rebounding and interior defense issues. While Golden State is one of the best defensive teams in the league, its interior defense and rim protection remain a concern.
As an athletic big man averaging 13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season, Claxton is positioned as a reliable lob threat and a shot blocker.
Claxton could add flexibility to the Warriors’ rotation with his style of play. Given that the team already features two floor-spacing big men in Quentin Post and Al Horford, adding a lob threat such as Claxton could be in their best interests.
Along with Claxton, the Warriors would also be acquiring Cam Thomas in this trade scenario.
On paper, Thomas’ addition could be impressive. With averages of 21.4 points and 2.6 assists per game on 40.2% shooting from the field, he could be a significant boost to the team’s scoring. However, due to his playing style, he may not be an ideal fit in Golden State’s system.
Thomas may see merit in adapting to the team’s offensive style. Given that he could earn more opportunities by doing so, the 24-year-old guard may end up gaining more from this trade.
The Warriors Need To Make Upgrades
The Golden State Warriors have consistently displayed their ability to compete with the top teams in the league. Aside from stars such as Curry and Butler, Golden State has benefited from the performances of its bench players, who have stepped up in the absence of the team’s superstars on numerous occasions.
Despite the quality of talent on the roster, the Warriors find themselves fighting for a place in the West’s top six teams. Thus, at this stage, it seems clear that the Dubs need to make some upgrades.
Currently, the Warriors’ best trade asset remains Jonathan Kuminga. Given the current rumors surrounding the forward, especially with more teams showing an interest in him, Golden State may stand to gain a lot by pulling the trigger on a potential trade. However, considering their priorities, the Warriors may benefit from seeking a deal that maximizes their returns.
