9 Best Centers Golden State Warriors Could Realistically Acquire: One Blockbuster Trade Could Shock NBA World

The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 season concluded with a disappointing 4–1 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite a strong Game 1 performance, the absence of Stephen Curry due to a hamstring injury and the team’s aging roster were evident as they dropped the next four games. 

Veteran players like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler showed signs of wear, and the team’s reliance on small-ball lineups exposed their vulnerability in the paint. One glaring issue was the lack of a dominant presence at the center position because their current rotation wasn’t great, with a ton of pressure on Green to hold down the fort.

Averaging just 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game, veteran center Kevon Looney’s impact waned, and with his contract expiring this summer, the Warriors will likely let him walk. Even Trayce Jackson-Davis, who averaged 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game this season, has not won over Steve Kerr’s confidence. 

As the Warriors aim to maximize the remaining prime years of their veteran core, acquiring a new starting center becomes imperative. Luckily, we have explored nine realistic center options the Warriors could pursue to strengthen their roster at the center spot and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

1. Joel Embiid

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Brandin Podziemski, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)

Acquiring Joel Embiid would be a seismic move for the Warriors, pairing Stephen Curry with a dominant center for the first time in his career. Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, though he was limited to 19 games due to a persistent left knee injury. 

His presence would provide the Warriors with a formidable inside-out duo, potentially revitalizing their championship aspirations, and we expect Steve Kerr to figure out how to make it all work. Sure, Embiid’s health and substantial contract, $55.2 million for the 2025–26 season, pose significant risks, but he is a former MVP who is only 31 years old. 

The proposed trade would require the Warriors to part with promising talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Brandin Podziemski, along with first-round picks. While the upside is immense, the Warriors must weigh the potential rewards against the risks of Embiid’s injury history and the financial implications of his contract.

2. Jaren Jackson Jr. 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr. 

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Moses Moody, 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)

Jaren Jackson Jr. offers the Warriors a younger, more durable option at center. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His defensive prowess, highlighted by his finish in the top five of Defensive Player of the Year voting, would bolster the Warriors’ interior defense.

Jackson’s contract is more manageable, with a salary of $23.4 million for the 2025–26 season before free agency hits. The trade would involve sending Kuminga, Moses Moody, and a draft pick to the Grizzlies, a franchise that might want to make changes after another difficult season. 

Jackson’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim aligns well with the Warriors’ system, making him a valuable addition to their roster because he is the perfect modern big man. Out of all the big men, Jackson Jr. is one of the best who fit their system. 

3. Myles Turner 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)

Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)

If the Indiana Pacers fail to make the NBA Finals, they could be willing to listen to sign-and-trade offers for Myles Turner. Turner presents a balanced option, combining shot-blocking and three-point shooting. 

He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season, and his defensive capabilities would address the Warriors’ need for interior protection. As he approaches free agency this summer, Turner is a cost-effective option if he agrees to a long-term, team-friendly deal.

The trade would involve Kuminga and a first-round pick, contingent on the Pacers’ playoff performance. Turner’s skill set complements the Warriors’ style, offering both defensive stability and offensive spacing, and he has the right attitude after years of competing in the playoffs with Indiana. 

4. Nic Claxton 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Nic Claxton

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Nic Claxton is an emerging defensive anchor, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. His athleticism and shot-blocking would enhance the Warriors’ defense far more than just Draymond Green could do. A pairing of Green and Claxton would be very difficult to score on. 

Claxton’s salary of $25.4 million for the 2025–26 season is a significant investment. Acquiring him would likely require trading Kuminga, and hoping Claxton could give Curry, Butler, and Green the right intangibles for them defensively and on the boards. 

Claxton’s fit within the Warriors’ system depends on his ability to adapt to their offensive schemes, but his defensive impact could be substantial. We expect Steve Kerr to operate Claxton in a similar role as Looney in terms of setting picks and rolling to the rim in limited spurts. 

5. Walker Kessler 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Walker Kessler offers a cost-effective solution, with a salary of $2.97 million for the 2024-25 season. He averaged 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, ranking fifth in the league in rebounding. Kessler’s rebounding and shot-blocking would address the Warriors’ interior and would form a hellacious defense alongside Draymond Green. 

Trading for Kessler would involve sending Kuminga to the Jazz. His low salary ($4,878,938 next season) provides financial flexibility, allowing the Warriors to strengthen other areas of their roster. Kessler’s defensive presence and growth potential make him an appealing option who can be acquired without too much of an investment. 

6. Clint Capela 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2029 Second-Round Pick (ATL)

 Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Clint Capela brings veteran experience and rebounding prowess, averaging 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season, making him a solid sign-and-trade option. As he heads to free agency, the big man will look to join a championship contender to provide rim-running, rebounding, and rim protection.

Acquiring Capela would likely require the Warriors trading Kuminga, but if the Hawks add two first-round picks, then it’s a no-brainer deal for Golden State. Capela’s ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket would benefit the Warriors, and while his limited offensive range may affect the team’s spacing, this could be a sneaky smart deal by the Warriors.

7. Mark Williams 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Mark Williams

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis

Mark Williams is a young, cost-controlled center with a salary of $6.3 million next season. His defensive potential and rebounding skills make him an intriguing prospect, which is why the Los Angeles Lakers tried to acquire him before this season’s trade deadline, before backing out due to ‘cold feet’. 

Trading for Williams would involve negotiations with the Charlotte Hornets, potentially including draft picks or young players. His development trajectory aligns with the Warriors’ need for a long-term solution at center, and it would not require more than a package involving Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis (sign-and-trade). 

8. Daniel Gafford 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Daniel Gafford

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II (Sign-and-Trade)

Daniel Gafford offers athleticism and efficiency, averaging 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with a 70.2% field goal percentage in the 2024-25 season. His salary of $14.4 million for the 2025–26 season is reasonable, but the big man will be looking to get paid once his contract is up. 

He might not get that with the Mavericks, who already have Anthony Davis and will likely draft Cooper Flagg. Gafford’s rim-running ability and defensive presence would complement the Warriors’ style of play, so the team might be willing to negotiate a long-term deal to keep Gafford in Golden State. 

9. Brook Lopez 

Brook Lopez provides veteran leadership and floor spacing, averaging 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. His experience and shooting range would benefit the Warriors’ offense because he shot 37.3% from deep and also added 1.9 blocks per game.

With Lopez heading to free agency and the fact that the Bucks could be imploding, he may be willing to sign a veteran minimum deal to join a contender. His presence would add depth and versatility to the Warriors’ frontcourt, and he would fit perfectly alongside Draymond Green.