The Golden State Warriors’ Desperate Trade That Would Work

The Golden State Warriors have built a dynasty over the past decade, with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green leading the charge to multiple NBA championships. However, as the team enters a new phase in its trajectory, questions are beginning to arise about how to maintain their championship contention status. The Warriors, while still formidable, have faced issues with injuries, aging players, and an inconsistent roster, which have hampered their ability to return to their former dominance.

As the 2025 season progresses, the Warriors are in a precarious position: they are trying to balance winning now with preparing for the future. With the core of Curry, Thompson, and Green aging, the need to freshen up their roster and add depth has become increasingly urgent. Entering the trade market may be the most practical solution to this dilemma.

In this article, we will explore a trade that could help the Golden State Warriors remain championship contenders in the short term while setting them up for sustained success. By analyzing their current roster, trade assets, and potential targets, we’ll outline a trade that could rejuvenate the Warriors and provide a much-needed spark for the rest of the season.

1. The State of the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are currently in a period of transition. After their most recent championship run in 2022, they have faced challenges related to the health of key players, particularly Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, whose injuries have affected their ability to maintain elite levels of play. Furthermore, while Curry remains a transcendent talent, the team’s depth has been questioned, particularly with younger players like James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga still developing.

On the court, the Warriors have shown flashes of brilliance, but there are clear gaps in their roster. The aging core, though still capable of competing at a high level, is in need of complementary pieces that can add energy, consistency, and versatility. The Warriors’ biggest weaknesses include a lack of size, defensive consistency, and a more dependable secondary scorer outside of Curry. The team’s frontcourt depth is an issue, as Green’s defensive prowess and rebounding are vital to the team’s success, but he cannot be expected to do it all by himself. A reliable big man and additional scoring options would greatly benefit the Warriors as they seek to make another run at a championship.

The key to staying competitive in this league is balancing the need for immediate impact with a long-term plan. The Warriors need a trade that can help them in both areas—someone who can provide contributions in the short term and also be a key piece as the team continues to evolve.

2. The Warriors’ Assets and Trade Needs

Before diving into potential trade candidates, it’s important to understand the assets that the Warriors can offer in a trade. With a star-studded roster, Golden State has valuable players and tradeable contracts, but they also need to strike the right balance between retaining their championship core and adding new pieces.

2.1. Tradeable Players and Contracts

1. James Wiseman – The former number two overall pick is still an intriguing prospect. Although he has not yet lived up to expectations, his size, athleticism, and potential make him a trade asset that could attract other teams looking for a young, raw talent with upside.
2. Moses Moody – A solid wing player with good shooting ability, Moody has shown flashes of potential but has yet to consistently earn a regular spot in the rotation. He’s an asset that can provide valuable shooting and perimeter defense for another team.
3. Jonathan Kuminga – A highly athletic forward with a lot of potential, Kuminga’s development has been uneven, but he remains a highly regarded prospect. Teams looking for an explosive player with upside might see Kuminga as an attractive piece to build around or develop further.
4. Salary Filler – The Warriors can also trade players like Kevon Looney, Andre Iguodala, and potentially even one of their veterans like Jordan Poole if they want to acquire a more impactful player. These players can be included in trade packages to match salaries or bolster the deal.
5. Future Draft Picks – The Warriors also possess future draft picks that could be used as bargaining chips. While they are not in the lottery anymore, these picks can still offer value as part of a larger trade package.

2.2. Trade Needs

The Warriors’ main needs heading into any trade deal would include:

• Frontcourt Depth: While Green provides excellent defense, the Warriors need a more reliable big man who can anchor the defense, provide rebounding, and serve as a physical presence in the paint. Adding a legitimate center would allow the Warriors to diversify their rotations and provide Green with relief.
• Secondary Scoring: While Curry continues to carry much of the scoring load, a reliable secondary scorer who can create his own shot would provide a much-needed boost. This player would take some of the pressure off Curry, especially in high-stakes moments during the postseason.
• Defensive Versatility: A versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, especially in the paint, would make the Warriors’ defense more dynamic and capable of handling elite offensive threats from around the league.
• Playmaking: Another ball handler or playmaker who can create for others would provide relief for Curry and help the Warriors manage offensive possessions when Curry is off the floor.

3. The Trade Proposal: A Center and Secondary Scorer

Given the Warriors’ current needs, one trade that makes sense would involve the acquisition of a solid center and secondary scorer, with an eye toward filling their frontcourt and scoring void. After evaluating potential trade targets, one player that stands out as an ideal fit is Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers.

3.1. The Player: Myles Turner

Myles Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the league and would immediately address the Warriors’ need for rim protection and defensive stability in the paint. Turner is a versatile center who can space the floor with his three-point shooting, providing an additional scoring dimension to the Warriors’ offense. His ability to stretch the floor would make him an excellent fit next to Green, who thrives in the paint and on defense but lacks the shooting range Turner offers.

Defensively, Turner would offer a shot-blocking presence that the Warriors desperately need. His elite rim protection would allow Green to roam and focus on disrupting passing lanes and defending on the perimeter. Turner’s length and athleticism would also help the Warriors guard the paint more effectively, especially against teams with dominant bigs.

Offensively, Turner could serve as a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Curry, generating open shots on the perimeter or finishing inside. He would complement the Warriors’ offensive system, which thrives on ball movement and spacing.

3.2. The Trade Package

To acquire Myles Turner, the Warriors would likely need to offer a combination of young talent and salary filler. A potential trade package could look like this:

• James Wiseman – As a former high draft pick with immense potential, Wiseman could be enticing to the Pacers as a young big man to develop alongside their current roster. His size, athleticism, and potential as a rim protector would appeal to the Pacers, who are in a rebuilding phase and looking to invest in young talent.
• Moses Moody – Moody is a wing with shooting potential and defensive upside. As a young player with a developing skill set, Moody could provide the Pacers with a project that could eventually contribute to their rotation.
• Future Draft Pick(s) – The Warriors could include a future first-round pick or multiple second-round picks as sweeteners for the deal, offering Indiana more long-term assets in exchange for Turner’s immediate impact.
• Salary Filler (Kevon Looney or Jordan Poole) – Looney, who has been a steady contributor in Golden State’s frontcourt, could help balance the salary cap and provide Indiana with a veteran presence. Alternatively, Jordan Poole, who has shown flashes of scoring brilliance but is inconsistent, could be included to fill the gap in the trade and give Indiana another scoring guard to pair with their young players.

3.3. Why This Trade Works

This trade addresses several of the Warriors’ weaknesses, providing them with both a rim protector and a secondary scoring option. Turner would fill a significant hole in the Warriors’ defense and rebounding while adding versatility to their offensive game. In exchange, the Pacers would gain young players with potential in Wiseman and Moody, along with future draft picks that align with their rebuilding strategy.

For the Warriors, this trade offers the opportunity to maintain championship contention while setting themselves up with a younger, more balanced roster for the years ahead. The addition of Turner allows Green to focus more on his role as a defender and playmaker, while Curry has a reliable option to lean on in both scoring and defensive situations.