Invest in the future? The main concern facing the Warriors as the deadline draws near

Mortgage the Future? Warriors’ Central Question Looming as Deadline Approaches

The Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful franchises in recent NBA history, have entered a critical juncture in their championship window. With a core group that includes future Hall of Famer Stephen Curry, veteran Klay Thompson, and the defensive mastermind Draymond Green, the Warriors are once again in the playoff hunt, aiming for their fifth championship in the last decade. However, despite their recent success, there are important questions that need to be answered before the NBA trade deadline: Should the Warriors “mortgage the future” by making significant roster moves to bolster their title chances now, or should they look toward preserving their long-term sustainability?

As the Warriors approach the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the franchise’s front office faces one of its most pivotal decisions in years. The concept of “mortgaging the future” often refers to the decision to trade away future assets—such as draft picks, young players, or long-term cap flexibility—in order to maximize the team’s chances of winning a championship in the present. For Golden State, a team that has already won four titles with its current core, the temptation to make a big move is strong. Yet, such a decision could come at the cost of the team’s ability to compete beyond the next few seasons, especially given the aging of some key players and the potential future salary cap ramifications.

The Warriors’ Current Situation

The Golden State Warriors have experienced a roller-coaster ride in recent seasons. After winning the 2022 NBA Championship, the team’s aging stars, combined with the emergence of younger talents, created a challenging balancing act for head coach Steve Kerr and the front office. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, leading to debates about how to best approach their current roster and future aspirations.

Stephen Curry, the face of the Warriors’ dynasty, remains one of the most dominant players in the NBA, showing no signs of slowing down despite entering his mid-30s. Curry continues to defy age with his unprecedented shooting range, court vision, and ability to take over games, keeping the Warriors competitive in the upper echelons of the Western Conference. However, his age and the inevitable decline of his skills in the near future loom large, especially when considering the Warriors’ championship aspirations over the next few seasons.

Klay Thompson, Curry’s long-time backcourt partner, has also been fighting the effects of age and injuries. After recovering from two major injuries in recent years—an Achilles tear and an ACL injury—Thompson has shown flashes of his former self but has yet to regain the level of consistency he displayed during the Warriors’ championship runs. While Thompson’s shooting is still elite, the question remains whether he can maintain the high level of play that the Warriors need for a championship push.

Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense, is also reaching a point in his career where questions about his future are inevitable. Known for his all-around play, Green is an irreplaceable leader and defensive anchor. However, at 35 years old, his offensive limitations have been exposed more in recent seasons, and there are concerns about his ability to sustain his elite defensive play as he ages. Additionally, Green’s looming contract situation could further complicate matters.

The Warriors also boast one of the deeper rosters in the league, with players like Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Poole contributing in meaningful ways. However, Golden State’s current roster depth is not as dominant as it once was, especially considering the limitations of Thompson, Green, and the evolving roles of younger players. As the team competes in a highly competitive Western Conference, the need for an additional piece or two could be pivotal in achieving another championship.

The Dilemma: Immediate Championship or Long-Term Sustainability?

As the trade deadline approaches, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a difficult question: Do they prioritize the immediate future and push all in for another championship, or do they begin to shift toward long-term sustainability, preserving their future assets and allowing the younger players to take on a larger role?

Argument for Mortgaging the Future

The most immediate pressure for the Warriors is the fact that their championship window is closing. While Curry remains a transcendent talent, there is no guarantee that he will continue to perform at his current level indefinitely. Thompson, Green, and the other veterans have already entered the twilight stages of their careers, and the window for a championship is narrowing. The Warriors’ front office is well aware that they need to capitalize on their current window to win another title while their core players are still productive.

The Warriors have a significant advantage in their ability to “go all in” due to their recent success. With four championships in the past decade, they are one of the most financially successful teams in the league and have the financial flexibility to make a splashy trade if necessary. The Warriors could offer valuable assets like future first-round picks or promising young players—such as Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, or James Wiseman (who was traded away)—to bring in an immediate contributor. This move could be especially beneficial if they identify a player who can provide either scoring or defensive help on the wing or in the post, where they could use more depth.

There are also clear targets for potential trades. One potential area of improvement for the Warriors is their frontcourt. A traditional big man or a versatile wing who can play both ends of the floor could complement the Warriors’ current roster and offer them the kind of defensive presence or scoring punch that has sometimes been lacking in critical moments. Players like John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks, Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, or even DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls could be enticing targets who fit the Warriors’ system, providing both immediate production and long-term value.

Making a move now to maximize the current roster could ensure that Curry, Thompson, and Green get another shot at a championship while they are still capable of performing at a high level. Golden State’s front office might view this as a now-or-never opportunity, particularly considering the uncertainty surrounding Thompson’s future and Green’s contract situation. In the eyes of many, a title push with the Warriors’ current roster is a rare opportunity that can’t be wasted.

Argument Against Mortgaging the Future

On the other side of the debate lies the argument that the Warriors should not sacrifice their future for the sake of one more title run. While the team’s current core has been incredibly successful, the reality is that Curry, Thompson, and Green are not getting any younger. The future of the Warriors lies with their younger players and their ability to build for sustained success beyond this current window.

First, there’s the issue of salary cap flexibility. The Warriors have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, and their finances are stretched thin with large contracts tied to Curry, Thompson, and Green. Any big move they make—particularly if it involves trading away future draft picks or absorbing the salary of an aging veteran—could further limit their ability to build for the future. Moreover, the Warriors have significant tax concerns, and any major trade would need to be considered with the long-term financial impact in mind.

The Warriors also need to keep in mind the potential of their young players. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, for example, are both still developing and have the potential to become future contributors for the team. Kuminga, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and potential as both a defender and offensive weapon. Building around players like Kuminga and Moody could provide the Warriors with a sustainable future where they don’t need to rely on aging stars for their success. Moving these players, or sacrificing their development for a short-term gain, could hurt Golden State in the long run.

Additionally, the NBA is a rapidly evolving league, and the Warriors need to be aware of the broader trends. The salary cap is projected to rise in the coming seasons, meaning there will be new opportunities for the Warriors to create financial flexibility. By making smart moves and continuing to develop their younger players, the Warriors could position themselves to be contenders in the post-Curry era rather than trying to extend a championship window that may already be closing.

Lastly, the Warriors may also be able to find success without making a drastic trade. The team has shown that it can be dangerous when fully healthy, and the Warriors’ front office could look for smaller adjustments—such as enhancing the team’s bench depth or tweaking the rotation—rather than making a major sacrifice for a fleeting chance at another title.

Possible Trade Targets and Strategies

If the Warriors do decide to make a move, the front office has a few options. The aforementioned players like John Collins, Myles Turner, and DeMar DeRozan could all fill specific roles that would help Golden State in the short term. Collins provides rebounding and versatility at the forward spot, Turner offers a shot-blocking presence and floor spacing as a stretch center, and DeRozan gives the Warriors an additional scoring punch, particularly in the mid-range game.

Another option could be targeting a younger player who could develop alongside the Warriors’ core in the future. Players like Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons) or a similarly talented young prospect might allow the Warriors to maintain some long-term upside while also contributing in the short term.

Ultimately, the Warriors’ decision will hinge on balancing the immediate desire for another title with the long-term health of the franchise. The risk of mortgaging their future for a temporary boost may be too great for some, while others may feel the urgency of capitalizing on the remaining years of their star trio.