The Golden State Warriors could not run it back in 2023 after winning the championship the year before. The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were solid all season, but injuries and chemistry issues forced the team into a tough position as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Next year, they can regroup through one of 10 blockbuster trade ideas.
The Warriors have the core returning and added future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul to the ranks, but there could be more out there. The Golden State Warriors need to try and target a superstar player because the rest of the West has improved, including the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, while the reigning champion Denver Nuggets are not going anywhere.
There are a number of blockbuster trade ideas that the Warriors could explore this summer, each with its own set of risks and rewards. By targeting the best deals in the market right now, Golden State is in a tremendous position to engage in blockbuster deals to shake up the NBA.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, 2028 First-Round Pick
Myles Turner is one of the best modern centers in the NBA as a shot-blocker who can spread the floor and also score inside. In 2023, Turner averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game for the Pacers in 29.4 minutes per game of action. Turner is also a two-time blocks champion.
For the Warriors, acquiring Turner, a skilled shot-blocker and rim protector, bolsters their interior defense, a weakness in recent years. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting also fits well with the Warriors’ fast-paced, spacing-oriented style of play. When he isn’t blocking shots, he is shooting a career 35.3% from deep.
On the other hand, the Pacers receive a package of young talent and a future draft pick, which could be essential in their rebuilding efforts. Jonathan Kuminga, a promising forward with a high ceiling, leads the incoming assets. Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney provide depth and defensive prowess, further strengthening the Pacers’ roster.
The 2028 first-round pick offers a long-term asset that could become a key part of their future plans. Overall, this trade appears to be a win-win scenario, with the Warriors addressing immediate needs and the Pacers securing valuable assets for their future.
A Bigger Upgrade At Center
Golden State Warriors Receive: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick
Deandre Ayton is a capable starter in the NBA and might even make an All-Star Team someday after posting 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring Ayton would be a substantial upgrade in their frontcourt.
He is a young and highly talented center with the ability to score in the post, rebound effectively, and protect the rim. His presence would address one of the Warriors’ longstanding weaknesses, their lack of a dominant inside presence.
Ayton’s pick-and-roll ability could also complement the shooting and playmaking of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, making the Warriors a more versatile offensive team. Kevon Looney has done a tremendous job but he isn’t as talented as Ayton offensively. A lineup with Curry, Thompson, Draymond, and Ayton would be very difficult to score against and even defend in terms of skill and size.
For the Phoenix Suns, this trade would provide them with some valuable assets. Andrew Wiggins is a capable defender who could fit well alongside Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, adding another scoring threat to their lineup.
Kevon Looney offers frontcourt depth and defensive presence, while Moses Moody is a young player with considerable potential. The 2028 first-round pick provides a future asset that could be used to further build the team or as a trade piece down the line.
Acquiring All-Star Brandon Ingram
Golden State Warriors Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
Golden State Warriors miss two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant and luckily, there is an All-Star forward who is built exactly like him in stature and playing style. Brandon Ingram had a strong season for New Orleans at an individual level. Ingram put up 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 48.4% shooting from the field. Remember, Ingram was an All-Star in the 2019-20 season.
If it is possible to create as close as an identical version to Kevin Durant, it is Brandon Ingram. He handles it well like Durant, can shoot the rock (39.0% from three in 2023), and is a willing passer. Ingram is not a selfish player and he will be able to get good looks for Steph and Klay.
Not to mention, he will get his own shots in rhythm because Steph and Klay attract so much attention. Ingram is a perfect system player and will be able to come close to what KD did for the Warriors.
Most importantly, Ingram is young. He is 26 years old and has already arrived as a star in the league. This is critical because the Warriors don’t want to be irrelevant once Steph gets older, as he is 35 years old and counting. Ingram can help the Warriors win now, and also be the building block for them in the future. He is a very safe option to go for, and the package the Warriors can offer is very good for New Orleans.
The Pelicans would likely ask for picks along with Andrew Wiggins, who will start in place of Ingram. The first pick is important because New Orleans wants to make Zion Williamson the face of the franchise and focus their efforts on building him up to the superstar he is capable of being.
A Risky Deal For Paul George
Golden State Warriors Receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring Paul George would be a substantial boost to their perimeter scoring and defensive capabilities. George is a versatile two-way player known for his ability to create and knock down three-pointers while also providing solid defense on the wing. In 2023, despite more injury setbacks, George posted 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 37.1% shooting from three.
His addition to the team would give the Warriors another star player alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, potentially making them even more formidable contenders. As good as Andrew Wiggins is, he is not on George’s level in terms of scoring the ball and even shooting the ball on the move. A lineup with Curry, Thompson, George, and Green would be impossible to handle.
For the Clippers, this trade would represent a significant shift in their roster composition. Wiggins would fit nicely alongside Leonard and Powell in terms of two-way play. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are young, high-upside prospects who could be developed into key contributors for the Clippers in the future. The two first-round picks provide additional assets for future moves or player development.
Adding Former NBA Champion To The Ranks
Golden State Warriors Receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
There aren’t many more versatile power forwards than Pascal Siakam. Bringing in the big man would add a versatile and athletic forward to their roster, addressing some of their frontcourt needs. Siakam is known for his defensive prowess, ability to score in various ways, and his versatility on both ends of the floor.
His skill set could complement the shooting and playmaking of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, making the Warriors a more well-rounded team. Siakam had himself an excellent bounce-back campaign, posting 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while playing roles as a point-forward and prototypical big man. Does that sound like a perfect big for the Warriors? Absolutely.
For the Toronto Raptors, this trade would provide them with a mix of assets for the future. Chris Paul would offer scoring and leadership with the ball, potentially becoming a key part of their young lineup. Jonathan Kuminga is a highly regarded young talent with significant upside, and Gary Payton II can provide defensive energy and depth.
The two first-round picks, in 2025 and 2027, provide additional flexibility for the Raptors to continue their roster development around former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. Still, as in the case with most of the deals mentioned, the Warriors win the deal in terms of star power.
Trading For The Best Shooting Big Man In The League
Golden State Warriors Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
For now, Karl-Anthony Towns is the main guy on the team, and he is always a candidate to make the All-Star Team over the past few seasons. Of course, he has dealt with injury issues this year and missed his chance to make another one with three appearances to his name.
If the Warriors swoop in and offer the two first-round picks with Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Gary Payton II, Minnesota might take a look and might pull the trigger on the deal to recoup the massive package they sent to Utah for Rudy Gobert last year.
Young prospect Kuminga can take some of the defensive responsibility and can be molded into a full-time starter under a good coach. Wiggins and Payton II can also play pivotal roles but no doubt, it is obvious who wins this deal. However, the Warriors win the deal.
Karl-Anthony Towns with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green would be overkill. The big man is averaging 23.0 points and 11.2 rebounds over his career and is one of the best shooting bigs of all time (39.5% 3-PT FG).
Towns can do it all on both ends of the floor, especially when surrounded by arguably the two greatest shooters of all time. Even if teams throw everything at Golden State to stop the threes, it could be difficult to handle another sharpshooter who stands 6’11” tall.
The Warriors will have to change their philosophy if they do acquire Towns, although the big man will be able to adapt because of his shooting. With a dominant big man, the team must let him go to work with his touches. Curry is unselfish enough to feed him the ball and will be willing to do so, especially when Green can continue being the primary playmaker alongside elite shooters.
Zion Williamson Starts New Chapter With The Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors era that had Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson never had an elite big man, because their style of play involves movement off the ball and quick passing. Luckily, Zion Williamson is not any ordinary big man.
The superstar is incredibly explosive and quick and is a gifted passer, rebounder, and improving shooter. Zion can literally finish over defenders and can play on or off the ball due to his basketball IQ. Alongside Steph, Klay, and Draymond, Williamson can be the center in an even deadlier “Death Lineup”.
The Warriors will have to accept losing three rotational pieces and first-round picks, but they must go all-in for a 5th championship with Stephen Curry as their best player because the point guard is nearly 36 years old and will not get younger. With Zion, the Warriors are the favorites to win it all next year with supreme shooting, athleticism, and versatility at the heart of their team.
Even more so, the Warriors have their future intact as Zion is only 23 years old and will be the new franchise player for the team once Curry and Klay hang it up. A chance to go after one of the most hyped and promising prospects in NBA history is a no-brainer for Golden State and expect them to go all-in for the superstar forward.
The Pelicans won’t be happy losing Zion Williamson, but not having your best player trust a franchise is a bad look. The youngster belongs in an organization that can keep him healthy and motivated, and the Pelicans haven’t done a great job so far. Rebuilding quickly and not missing the playoffs thanks to an assortment of young players is the ideal situation when losing a franchise player, as Kuminga could become the two-way star we anticipate he can become.
A Rare Chance For A Big Three
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
To acquire Kawhi Leonard, arguably a top-5 player in the world when healthy, Golden State will have to sacrifice two starting-caliber players and two bench players with draft compensation. If any franchise wants to risk trading for a franchise star in Kawhi Lenard, it is the Warriors.
Kawhi Leonard is still in his prime at 32 years old and is clearly a more dominant two-way player than Wiggins and the best perimeter defender available right now, meaning Golden State could take another step forward with a blockbuster deal of this caliber.
The title window for Golden State is wide open because the West is winnable if they can acquire a player that can compete and defend elite forwards such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson do their things from the perimeter. To gear up for a playoff run, it is important to look at the opposing contenders across the league.
A lineup of Curry, Klay, Leonard, Green, and Looney will likely return to the Finals and win it all as soon as next year. This will be the same team as the 2017 and 2018 Warriors with Kevin Durant except with slightly more defense and more risk since Kawhi has yet to remain healthy. The Warriors need to go all-in now since Curry is nearly 36 years old, and Leonard is that guy.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers rebuild with four rotational pieces around Paul George and Norman Powell while also gaining two first-round picks for future assets. Even if the Clippers might be happy to rid themselves of Leonard, Golden State wins this deal with a championship window open for a few more seasons.
Trading For Reigning MVP Joel Embiid
Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
Luckily for the Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers are not looking too great right now and will not convince anyone that they are legitimate title contenders if and when James Harden departs for good. Joel Embiid won the 2023 MVP award because of his dominance with the 76ers during the regular season but another playoff disappointment means there could be changes coming to Philly and the player himself.
If the Warriors swoop in and offer two first-round picks with Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga with other assets, Philly might take a look and pull the trigger. No doubt, Joel Embiid with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would be almost unfair. The center averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game this season already and finally tasted individual victory with the MVP award.
Embiid can do it all on both ends of the floor, especially when surrounded by arguably the two greatest shooters of all time. The team will have to change their philosophy if they do acquire Joel Embiid but Curry is unselfish enough to feed him down low and will be willing to do so. Curry and Embiid become one of the best little-big duos in NBA history since Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant except that they will also have Klay spotting up as the third option.
Especially since Draymond remains with the team, the Warriors would be highly dominant and win the 2023-24 NBA title and possibly another title or two after that. For Philly, bringing four rotational pieces to build for the future alongside Tyrese Maxey means they can lose Harden and Embiid while still focusing on re-tooling the roster without drama.
The Major Blockbuster Deal For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
If Giannis Antetokounmpo makes it clear that he won’t re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise might be worried and willing to cash in on the star player right now. The best package that could be available comes courtesy of the Golden State Warriors, who can provide two franchise cornerstones, two first-round picks, and a player in Draymond Green who can be kept or moved in a sign-and-trade deal. Giannis has all the power right now and if he does not decide to stay in Milwaukee long-term, the Warriors can pounce.
The Warriors know they need more size, scoring, and defense to return to their unstoppable level. Giannis Antetokounmpo could be an excellent fit for the Golden State Warriors due to his skill set and the team’s playing style. The Warriors are known for their fast-paced, team-oriented approach to the game, which would perfectly complement Giannis’ own style.
Additionally, Giannis is an incredibly versatile player who can play multiple positions and is comfortable both handling the ball and playing off of other stars. Pairing Giannis with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson would offer a lot of offensive options, as all three players have excellent scoring abilities.
Most importantly, the defense improves. Golden State ranked 21st in OPPG and 17th in defensive rating, as they lacked size and defensive versatility all year. Defensively, adding Giannis to Golden State would create a formidable frontcourt alongside Kevon Looney, as Giannis is one of the best defenders in the league.
Meanwhile, the Bucks rebuild with new rotational pieces and gain first-round picks that could be valuable instead of trying to contend and not think much about the future. Giannis might not come back, and the Bucks need to prepare.