The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads. After a season that saw them finish with a 46-36 record but ultimately fall short in the play-in tournament, questions loom large over their future. Despite the valiant efforts of their aging core, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the team couldn’t recapture the magic that led to their previous championships. Jonathan Kuminga’s emergence as the team’s second-best player provided a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the inconsistencies and injuries that plagued the squad.
This offseason is crucial for the Warriors as they navigate the delicate balance between maximizing the remaining prime years of Curry and potentially rebuilding for the future. With Klay Thompson entering free agency and the possibility of Chris Paul’s hefty contract being waived, Golden State’s front office faces tough decisions. Re-signing key veterans, managing the luxury tax, and exploring trade options are all on the table as they aim to stay competitive.
A Blockbuster Move For Paul George
Warriors receive: Paul George
Clippers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
Paul George, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this past season, is at a crossroads with the Clippers. He holds a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season, and rumors are swirling about his potential move this offseason. George might be looking for a fresh start, especially after another underwhelming playoff run with the Clippers.
For the Warriors, trading for George is a bold move aimed at staying in championship contention. With Steph Curry still playing at an elite level, adding George’s scoring and defensive prowess would make Golden State a serious threat. Imagine Curry, Klay Thompson, and Paul George on the same team—unstoppable.
This trade would need to be a sign-and-trade deal due to salary cap constraints. The Los Angeles Clippers would sign George to a new contract in the range of $153 million before the trade, ensuring the Clippers get something valuable in return rather than losing him for nothing.
Andrew Wiggins has been solid for the Warriors, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 71 games. His two-way ability and playoff experience would be beneficial for the Clippers. Jonathan Kuminga, on the other hand, had a breakout season with averages of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. His potential is sky-high, making him an attractive piece for any rebuilding team.
From George’s perspective, joining the Warriors is highly appealing. Playing alongside Curry and Thompson, under coach Steve Kerr, provides a prime shot at another championship. The Warriors’ winning culture and state-of-the-art facilities add to the attraction.
In summary, while this trade involves significant risks, the potential rewards are immense. The Warriors would be making a bold move to capitalize on Curry’s remaining prime years, while the Clippers would get valuable assets to retool and remain competitive.
Going All In For Jimmy Butler
Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, 2026 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick
Fresh off another impactful season, Jimmy Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in 2024. Known for his clutch performances and leadership, Butler’s potential move could significantly bolster the Warriors’ title chances. Butler, entering his final guaranteed year with a player option for 2025-26, is reportedly seeking a two-year max extension worth around $113 million. This puts the Heat in a tough spot as they decide whether to commit to Butler long-term given his age and injury history.
The Miami Heat had a rocky end to their season, getting knocked out in the first round by the Boston Celtics, partly due to Butler’s injury. Despite his excellent playoff performances in previous seasons, Butler’s durability has been a concern, missing significant time in multiple seasons. The Heat are now faced with the decision of whether to meet Butler’s extension demands or potentially explore trade options to retool their roster.
For the Warriors, acquiring Butler means pushing all their chips in to maximize the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry. Adding Butler’s defensive tenacity and scoring ability to the mix would make Golden State an immediate contender. This trade scenario, involving Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and promising rookie Brandin Podziemski, along with future draft picks, offers the Heat a blend of proven talent and potential.
From Butler’s perspective, joining the Warriors could be highly attractive. Teaming up with Curry and Thompson under Steve Kerr’s coaching could provide Butler with another strong shot at a championship. For the Heat, this trade would be a strategic shift, focusing on building around younger talents and gaining valuable draft assets.
In summary, while this trade involves significant risks, the potential rewards are immense. The Warriors would make a bold move to capitalize on Curry’s remaining prime years, while the Heat would receive valuable assets to retool and remain competitive in the future.
A Surprising Move For Brandon Ingram
Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 first-round pick
Brandon Ingram had a strong 2024 season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Despite his individual success, the Pelicans faced a disappointing end to their season, losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ingram struggled in the series, averaging only 14.3 points on poor shooting percentages. Entering the final year of his maximum-salary contract, Ingram is eligible for a significant extension, but the Pelicans are hesitant to commit to another large contract given his recent performance and injury history.
For the Pelicans, this offseason represents a pivotal moment. David Griffin, the head of basketball operations, has emphasized the need for improvement and has hinted at possible roster changes to better compete in the historically strong Western Conference. The team is well-positioned with multiple future first-round picks and tradable contracts, making them flexible for potential deals.
Trading Ingram to the Warriors would provide the Pelicans with valuable assets while addressing their need for a playmaker. Andrew Wiggins, who averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season, offers a reliable two-way presence. Jonathan Kuminga, with his averages of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, brings significant potential and could become a key player for the Pelicans’ future. The 2026 first-round pick adds further value, giving the Pelicans additional flexibility for future moves.
From Ingram’s perspective, joining the Warriors would be a thrilling opportunity. Playing alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and under the guidance of Steve Kerr, Ingram could elevate his game and have a better shot at deep playoff runs and potential championships.
Ingram’s fit with the Warriors is particularly exciting due to his scoring versatility and playmaking abilities. He can create his own shot, drive to the basket, and hit from mid-range, complementing Curry’s perimeter shooting and Thompson’s catch-and-shoot prowess. Additionally, Ingram’s ability to handle the ball and facilitate the offense would take some playmaking pressure off Curry, allowing him to play off the ball more frequently, where he is exceptionally dangerous.
Moreover, Ingram’s addition to the Warriors would provide a fresh dynamic to their lineup, potentially allowing them to play a faster-paced, more fluid style of basketball. His versatility fits well with the Warriors’ motion offense, which emphasizes ball movement, player movement, and unselfish play. Ingram’s ability to score efficiently and create opportunities for his teammates aligns perfectly with Golden State’s offensive philosophy.
In summary, this trade could be beneficial for both teams. The Warriors gain a young, dynamic scorer in Ingram to boost their title aspirations, while the Pelicans receive valuable assets to retool and remain competitive in the future. The move signals Golden State’s commitment to maximizing their championship window with Curry, Thompson, and Green still performing at high levels, while also preparing for the future with a player of Ingram’s caliber.
