The trade deadline is a little more than three weeks away, and the Golden State Warriors are projected to be one of the most active teams. After falling below .500 for the first time this season, Steph Curry was asked about what the franchise should do. The All-Star guard was quick to respond that the slumping Warriors should try to get better, but not at the expense of making desperate moves. What are some of the trade options for the Warriors? Let’s take a look.
Curry on Warriors Trade Options – No Desperate Moves
Speaking to reporters after falling to the Toronto Raptors 104-101, Curry made it clear the franchise should not mortgage their future. Since their 12-3 start when things looked great for the Warriors, they have lost 17 of their 24 games. They are now 19-20, and out of play-in position. Speaking about it, Curry said,
“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done. Doesn’t mean that you’re not trying to get better. It doesn’t mean that you’re not active in any type of search, if you have an opportunity where a trade makes sense or even in the summer free agency [move] makes sense. You want to continue to get better.”
Curry clarified that the franchise should try to make some moves, and that he and the organization want to win. He said,
“Nobody wants to be stale or be in a situation where you’re passing up opportunities. But it doesn’t mean that you’re desperate just flinging assets all around the place just because you want to do something. Mike (Dunleavy) understands we want to win. We want to be in that position where we’ve always said that you want to be relevant in the championship type of chase. While we understand we’re getting older and deeper into our careers and allowing some of the young guys to kind of blossom, it doesn’t mean you’re getting desperate.”
What are Some Trade Options for the Warriors?
The Warriors have tried to get a couple of players in the past year or so. They tried trading for LeBron James, but that was quickly shut down. Golden State tried trading for Paul George, and then for Lauri Markkanen. They struck out on both opportunities. As it looks right now, Markkanen and George wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Both have missed some games and have seen their efficiency drop.
The Warriors are now in the Jimmy Butler trade sweepstakes, but it doesn’t look like that will resolve soon. They have been linked to the Miami Heat forward for more than a month, but there is no traction on that end.
The two remaining options are Cam Johnson from the Nets and Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans. Those two look like young wings that can help right now, and contribute to the future of the team as well.
What Happens if They Miss?
The Warriors cannot look at the summer and hope they can attract a free agent. While general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has managed to shed some salaries and ease up the tax payments, the Warriors will be just slightly under the salary cap.
Between Draymond Green, Curry, and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors have tied up $113 million in salary. Yes, the rest of the roster doesn’t make big money, but Moses Moody will earn $11 million next year. Then, they have to factor in a potential new deal for Jonathan Kuminga.
As it stands now, the NBA salary cap is projected to rise up to 10 percent, meaning a projected cap of $154 million and the luxury tax threshold set at $187.9 million. As of now, the Warriors have $151.8 million tied up in salaries for the 2025-26 season. That is, without factoring a new deal for Kuminga, and letting players like Gary Payton II, Dennis Schroder, and Kevon Looney walk away in free agency.
Can They Ride Curry to the Sunset?
Steph Curry has a deal with the Warriors through the 2026-27 season. At the end of that deal, he will be 39 years old.
For the Warriors, the 2028 draft pick is one of their most precious assets. If Curry decides to retire after his current contract, the 2028 draft will be the first after a season without Curry. As it stands now, the Warriors have their 2028 pick, as well as their 2029 and 2031. How many of these picks can they sacrifice to help Curry retire on a contender?
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