The Boston Celtics have already reshaped the NBA, so why not do it again? Stephen Curry’s name has been floating around in trade rumors for a while, at least since it seems the point guard is in a strong position to dictate his future with the Golden State Warriors this offseason.
Curry might be the latest superstar to request a trade in what seems to be the common theme in the league right now.
That begs the question: can the Celtics acquire the greatest shooter of all time in a trade?
The Warriors refused to go all-in for superstars such as Jaylen Brown to put them in a position to acquire LeBron James. In fact, the situation was indirectly linked from Boston’s side.
After sending Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal that unexpectedly helped Philadelphia pair LeBron James with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Boston retooled with veteran Paul George and two future first-round picks.
But with Jayson Tatum expected to return fully healthy next season, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard still anchoring the backcourt, Mitchell Robinson strengthening the frontcourt, Neemias Queta re-signed, and veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. providing leadership, the Celtics are in a position for a bigger prize.
If Boston wants to maximize what could become the final years of Tatum’s prime and recover after the Jaylen Brown debacle, Stephen Curry could be the hottest superstar they can target.
Even if it looks completely unexpected, a trade package centered around Paul George, sharpshooter Sam Hauser, and two future first-round picks would at least give the Celtics a conversation starter if the Golden State Warriors want a fresh start.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors Receive: Paul George, Sam Hauser, 2028 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Stephen Curry Could Be Boston’s Incredible Bounce-Back
With Tatum back from injury and one of the NBA’s best supporting casts surrounding him, Boston is still a likely playoff team even without Brown on the team anymore. However, adding Curry would elevate the Celtics from playoff hopefuls to contenders.
Even at 38 years old, Curry is one of the league’s most impactful offensive engines. Last season, he averaged 26.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.4 BPG on 46.8% FG, 39.3% 3-PT FG, and 92.3% FT in 43 appearances. As soon as Steph gets past half-court, he is always a threat.
Imagine defenses trying to contain Curry running off screens while simultaneously accounting for Tatum attacking one-on-one. Scary.
Derrick White could return to his best complementary role, Pritchard would continue providing instant offense off the bench, while Robinson and Queta would handle the dirty work protecting the rim and crashing the glass.
Boston would acquire the greatest shooter the sport has ever seen in this trade deal and form arguably the NBA’s best offensive duo.
Of course, the risk is obvious. Curry would be nearing 39, and Boston would be sacrificing valuable draft capital and wing depth. But championships are rarely won without bold decisions, and few moves in NBA history would carry a higher payoff.
The Proposed Trade Would Shake Both Conferences
From Boston’s perspective, this is an all-in move. Championship windows don’t remain open forever.
Tatum is entering his prime as he nears 29 years old, White continues playing at an All-Defensive level, Robinson addresses Boston’s rebounding concerns, Conley supplies veteran stability, and Curry becomes the offensive centerpiece and primary ball-handler.
That reads like a recipe for success. For the Warriors, it is a totally different situation.
The 36-year-old Paul George (17.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG on 43.9% FG and 39.2% 3-PT FG) gives Golden State an established two-way wing who can still contribute immediately, while the 28-year-old Sam Hauser fits the Warriors’ system after posting 9.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 39.3% 3-PT FG last season.
The inclusion of two future first-round picks gives the Warriors valuable long-term assets if they ultimately decide their championship window with Curry has closed, which it likely has.
Since the Warriors seemingly don’t want to give up their future, they shouldn’t stand in the way of Curry going after his 5th championship or at least placing himself in a position to succeed.
Would The Warriors Ever Say Yes? Here’s The Biggest Obstacle
The biggest hurdle is Stephen Curry and the decision he makes.
Curry has spent his entire 17-year NBA career with the Warriors, winning four championships and two MVP awards as the greatest player in franchise history.
Golden State has consistently maintained that Curry is expected to retire in a Warriors uniform, making any trade difficult to imagine.
But the Warriors have had another disastrous offseason, and it’s obvious they haven’t made enough moves besides re-signing Draymond Green to a one-year, $27.7M deal.
The Warriors trading Stephen Curry would be the boldest move yet, and that could instantly reshape both conferences in the NBA. Considering how much Curry has done for the Warriors, the franchise has to be careful not to stand in his way when it comes to chasing championship number five.
