The Golden State Warriors are riding high after acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, surging to a 7-2 record since the move. Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time with elite performances, while Draymond Green and Steve Kerr provide the experience and leadership that have defined this dynasty.
But despite the newfound momentum, the reality is clear: if the Warriors fall short of their playoff goals this year, they’ll need to retool this summer for one or two final title runs. With Curry still a superstar and Butler adding grit and versatility, the Warriors are just a piece or two away from truly contending.
This offseason, Golden State must be bold, leveraging its assets to add the perfect complements to their veteran core. From young stars to win-now veterans, the Warriors have several intriguing trade targets that could push them back to the top of the NBA.
1. Kevin Durant
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Bringing Kevin Durant back to the Bay Area would instantly vault the Warriors into title favorites territory. Despite a tumultuous season with the Suns that could see him leave, Durant has proven he’s still one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers, averaging 26.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 53.1% shooting from the field and 40.1% from three.
His ability to thrive both on and off the ball fits perfectly alongside Stephen Curry, allowing Golden State to recreate the unguardable offensive schemes that led to two championships during Durant’s first stint. We know that Durant rejected the chance to join Golden State before the trade deadline, but he hasn’t shut down the possibility of reuniting with them.
With the Suns struggling to find a clear direction and likely going to shop Durant this summer, the Warriors could seize the moment and pull off a blockbuster deal, potentially involving Jimmy Butler (a player the Suns have shown interest in already), Buddy Hield, and picks.
NBA teams would be on alert because a deal of this magnitude would be a major problem. At the very least, pairing him again with Draymond Green would re-establish one of the league’s most lethal two-way combos as well, despite the apparent friction between them, and it would certainly make news.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
If there’s one player who could redefine the Warriors’ dynasty, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ disappointing season has sparked rumors that Giannis might explore his options if Milwaukee fails to retool effectively.
Averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, Giannis is a one-man wrecking crew on both ends of the floor. His ability to dominate the paint offensively and anchor the defense would solve two of Golden State’s biggest weaknesses: interior scoring and rim protection.
The fit with Curry would be seamless. Imagine a pick-and-roll duo with Curry and Giannis — defenses would have to choose between doubling Curry on the perimeter or giving Giannis a free runway to the rim. This is a dream duo
Financially, making this work would require some cap gymnastics and a treasure chest of assets, but the potential upside is dynasty-altering. If Milwaukee decides to pivot to a rebuild if they falter in the playoffs this year, the Warriors should waste no time making their pitch centered around Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and picks. With Curry, Giannis, and Green, the Warriors become favorites to win it all.
3. LeBron James
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: LeBron James (Sign-and-Trade)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
LeBron James to the Warriors might sound like a fantasy, but if Kevin Durant returns, the King could follow in a strong sign-and-trade scenario. As we discussed in our previous article, LeBron might reconsider his future in Los Angeles, especially if the Lakers fall short in the playoffs this year despite acquiring Luka Doncic.
Even at 40, LeBron’s game has shown few signs of slowing down, with averages of 24.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. His basketball IQ and ability to facilitate would elevate Golden State’s offense to unprecedented levels.
The biggest draw for LeBron might be the chance to chase a couple more rings alongside Curry (and Durant) — a trio that would immediately become one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history. The Warriors have already shown interest in creating this Big Three earlier this season so it might be time that it happened.
Financially, a sign-and-trade involving Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and picks could entice the Lakers to make a deal if they opt to build around Luka. For Golden State, this move would signal an all-in push to maximize their championship window which is why that could be a focus this summer.
4. Joel Embiid
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
Joel Embiid’s name keeps swirling in rumors when it comes to his future as the Sixers continue to disappoint and it might be time for everyone to simply move on after the superstar was shut down for the year. Averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season, Embiid’s dominance in the post would give the Warriors a much-needed interior presence.
The fit might be awkward at first, but his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an ideal anchor for Golden State’s defense. If the Sixers decide to blow it up, a package centered around young players and multiple first-round picks could get a deal done.
For Curry and the Warriors, adding Embiid would ease the offensive burden. His ability to command double teams would create endless open looks for Curry and Butler. To acquire Embiid, it would take a ton of movement from both sides, but the deal would have to include Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga (in a sign-and-trade for at least $20 million per season), and Moses Moody along with picks. Of course, the 76ers would probably have to include some fillers and will have to waive players to get a deal done.
Health concerns are real, but the upside of adding an MVP-caliber big man is too high to ignore. Embiid’s sheer dominance in the paint would finally solve the Warriors’ rebounding and rim protection issues and there could be a new Big Three in town with this deal.
5. Zion Williamson
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Zion Williamson
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
Zion Williamson’s future with the Pelicans is absolutely uncertain amid injury concerns and whispers of dissatisfaction, and that is why we prepared a piece of where the star could end up. The team trading Brandon Ingram before the trade deadline was the first step, moving Zion could be the second to a long-term rebuild.
When he has been healthy, Zion is a wrecking ball, averaging 24.3 points and 7.5 rebounds on 56.1% shooting. His ability to bully his way to the rim and draw double teams would add a new dimension to the Warriors’ offense.
Golden State could take a gamble, betting that their elite medical staff can keep Zion on the court. A potential trade package might involve Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade), Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and draft picks — a high-risk, high-reward move.
If Zion can stay healthy, his ability to thrive in transition and finish at the rim would make Golden State a nightmare matchup. The risk is substantial, but the potential payoff could extend the Warriors’ title window for years.
6. Myles Turner
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Buddy Hield, 2029 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Myles Turner is the perfect stretch-five for Golden State’s system, capable of knocking down threes (shooting 40.8% from deep) and anchoring the defense with 1.8 blocks per game. A sign-and-trade with the Pacers involving Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and a first-round draft pick could make this happen.
Turner’s rim protection would address one of the Warriors’ glaring weaknesses, allowing Green to focus more on switching and perimeter defense. Offensively, Turner’s ability to space the floor would open driving lanes for Curry and Butler, making Golden State even more lethal.
His contract demands might be steep, but the fit is so seamless that it could be worth every penny. Adding Turner would transform the Warriors into an elite defensive unit without compromising their offensive firepower.
7. Marcus Smart
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield
Adding Marcus Smart to place him alongside Jimmy Butler would make the Warriors’ defense downright terrifying. Known for his toughness and elite perimeter defense, Smart could guard the opposition’s best scorer, taking pressure off Curry.
Averaging 1.6 steals per game over his career as a former Defensive Player of the Year winner, he’s a capable 3-and-D guard who fits right into Golden State’s switch-heavy scheme. Unfortunately for him, Smart has not been able to earn minutes, playing only 20.9 minutes per game with two teams in 2024-25.
The Wizards might be open to a deal if they look to reshape their roster. A trade involving Moses Moody and Buddy Hield could be enough to sway Washington. Smart’s willingness to ignite the fast break and his leadership in the locker room would be invaluable during a deep playoff run.
8. Nic Claxton
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Recieve: Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Kevon Looney (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Nic Claxton’s presence as an athlete and shot-blocker (averaging 1.5 blocks per game) makes him an intriguing target for Golden State. Trading three players for Claxton this summer could be a smart move, especially with Claxton’s ability to guard multiple positions.
His athleticism and rim protection would provide a vertical threat on both ends of the floor, complementing Curry’s perimeter shooting. Claxton’s ability to run the floor and finish lobs would fit seamlessly with Golden State’s pace-and-space offense.
His defensive versatility would also allow Draymond Green to play more freely, potentially unlocking more lineup combinations. For a team looking to balance offense and defense, Claxton could be a key piece. The Nets could look at the Warriors’ picks as the key in this deal and might pull the trigger to start tanking.
9. Nikola Vucevic
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Recieve: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
Nikola Vucevic might not have the defensive chops of Turner or Claxton, but his offensive versatility is undeniable. The Warriors showed interest before the trade deadline, but they simply weren’t willing to match the very high asking price. Looking ahead to the 2025 offseason, the Bulls might lower the price on their soon-to-be 35-year-old center.
Averaging 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds, Vucevic’s ability to shoot from deep (38.7% from three) and facilitate from the high post could add a new layer to the Warriors’ offense. A trade for Vucevic might involve a package around Moses Moody and Buddy Hield along with a second-round draft pick.
The risk with Vucevic is his defense, but his rebounding and scoring could help Golden State dominate smaller lineups. His high basketball IQ and ability to stretch the floor would prevent defenses from collapsing on Curry, making this a move worth considering if the price is right.
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