The Golden State Warriors are considered to be among the most active buyers on the trade market this offseason, hoping to land Stephen Curry the co-star he needs after the departure of Klay Thompson this summer. The Warriors have needed an upgrade for a while and have the chance to look for one in the market, with the team heavily linked to Lauri Markkanen at the moment.
Given how aggressive the Warriors have been, selling teams could try to take advantage of them by negotiating strictly for their star players to get Golden State to overpay as they’re in the twilight of the Curry era. The franchise finished 46-36 last season and missed the play-in, so a finish like that can’t be repeated with legends like Curry and Draymond Green on the roster.
Every franchise has its limits regardless of the need to succeed. Similar to how the Lakers refused to overpay for Kyrie Irving when he was available, here are three blockbuster deals the Warriors would likely turn down even though it would improve the team for next season.
The Warriors Shouldn’t Take On The Salary Of Michael Porter Jr.
Trade Details
Warriors Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Nuggets Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, 2026 First Round Pick (GSW)
The Denver Nuggets have seen their ability to build out their team and retain key players hamstrung by the new salary cap rules and the expensive roster they’ve already built. Michael Porter Jr,’s $35.8 million contract seems grossly inflated, making him the likely candidate for a possible move if the team is forced into making one to shed long-term money.Â
With MPJ averaging 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, many teams would be interested in taking a flier on him for his scoring ability. That’s an ability the Warriors are hunting for, and could likely get a deal done for MPJ by giving up win-now defenders such as Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, while also sending out a first round pick.Â
It’s a risky deal with potential upside if Porter Jr. can thrive as the secondary scorer on the team behind Stephen Curry for two limited offensive players. The Nuggets would likely want more themselves but are still in a solid win-now position with added flexibility on the roster.Â
The Warriors would run away from this deal, not because of the quality of the player but the cap hell it’d put them in. The team is paying Curry until 2026 and Draymond Green until 2027. Adding Porter Jr., whose contract will expire in 2027 with a price tag of $40.8 million in the final season, puts them in a situation that could kill their ability to make further moves until then.
A Price For Lauri Markkanen That Won’t Be Worth It
Trade Details
Warriors Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, 2025 First Round Pick (GSW), 2027 First Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First Round Pick Swap (GSW), 2029 First Round Pick Swap (GSW)
The Warriors and Lauri Markkanen have been linked with each other for over a month now, with the Jazz holding steady at a supposedly high price which would require Golden State to part with two young stars in Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. The Warriors have been posturing that they’ll stick with their talented youngsters, but with Curry possibly growing impatient with the team’s lack of moves, they may be forced to bite on the Jazz’s impossibly high price tag.
A Markkanen deal on Utah’s terms would likely spell the end of both Kuminga and Podz along with Moses Moody. This would transform the Warriors into a veteran-led team again, which could lead to tremendous short-term results.Â
Markkanen averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, so he’s proven to be a magnetic scorer who can easily handle the load as a secondary option. His high effort rebounding will also help the Warriors succeed.
Adding Markkanen at this price is an upgrade, but it’s a short-term one that the Warriors won’t feel is worth it for such a steep price. Four first-round picks and the three brightest young talents on the roster for a two-time All-Star who’s never even played in the Playoffs is asinine, and the Warriors know it. They haven’t paid that price yet and will likely wait it out until the Jazz feel additional pressure to move him.
Resisting The Temptation To Take A Flier On Deandre Ayton
Trade Details
Warriors Receive: Deandre Ayton
Trail Blazers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, 2028 Second Round Pick (ATL), 2030 Second Round Pick (GSW)Â
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly looking to move on from Deandre Ayton after acquiring him in a trade with the Suns last season. Instead of having a comeback season with the Blazers, Ayton’s value has worsened after an unimpressive season where he averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds. His talent and skill set are clear for everyone to see, with some still hoping a winning situation could change things for Ayton.Â
Instead of starting 6’5″ Draymond Green at center or relying on sophomore Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Warriors could jump the market early and acquire Ayton. The Warriors haven’t had a talented inside presence in years, with Ayton easily filling in the issue the Warriors have had, especially with high-level rebounding over a season.Â
Ayton’s contract has over $69.5 million owed to him over the next two years, so he shouldn’t command a first-round pick, which could make him an interesting project acquisition for a contending team.
The Warriors could get a deal for Ayton done but should avoid it at all costs. Similar to Porter Jr., the salary pressure Ayton will put on the Warriors alongside Draymond and Steph will be far too immense for the franchise to bear while remaining competitive. In addition, the attitude of Ayton will almost definitely clash with Draymond’s, which could lead to another year with locker room tensions on the Warriors
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