A Steph Curry trade to the Thunder or Cavaliers would benefit both the Warriors and Steph Curry.

In the world of the NBA, few players have made as indelible an impact as Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter the league has ever seen, Curry has revolutionized the game with his shooting range, ball-handling, and ability to score from anywhere on the court. Over his illustrious career, Curry has led the Warriors to multiple NBA championships and earned numerous accolades, including two NBA MVP awards.

However, as time passes and the Warriors undergo roster changes, the conversation surrounding Curry’s future with the franchise is inevitable. Despite being the cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty, there are increasing discussions about whether a change of scenery might be beneficial for both Curry and the team. In this hypothetical scenario, a trade of Steph Curry to either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Cleveland Cavaliers could benefit both Curry and the Warriors, providing a fresh start for Curry while giving the Warriors an opportunity to build for the future.

This article explores why a trade to either the Thunder or Cavaliers might be beneficial for both Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, examining how it would affect both teams’ trajectories in the short and long term.

Why a Trade for Steph Curry Makes Sense for the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have enjoyed unparalleled success in the past decade, thanks largely to the leadership and talent of Steph Curry. However, the Warriors are currently at a crossroads in their franchise’s timeline. While they have a championship-caliber roster with players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, the team’s age and reliance on their core trio of players have led to questions about their future. The Warriors have had a shaky start to the 2025 season, with injuries and roster inconsistencies affecting their overall performance.

As a result, the Warriors front office must consider their long-term goals. Moving forward, Golden State needs to decide whether they want to continue pursuing championships with an aging roster or pivot to building for the future by investing in younger, more dynamic talent.

Trading Steph Curry—a player who has been with the Warriors since 2009—would be a monumental decision, but it could be a savvy move if the team wants to rebuild and reload for the future. Curry’s value as one of the league’s most beloved superstars would provide the Warriors with significant assets, including young players and high draft picks. Additionally, trading Curry could free up cap space, allowing the Warriors to make the necessary moves to revamp their roster for the post-Curry era.

Why a Trade for Steph Curry Makes Sense for Steph Curry

On the other hand, Steph Curry himself could also benefit from a change of scenery. Though he has won three championships and solidified his legacy with the Warriors, Curry is now in the latter stages of his career. At this stage, he may want to challenge himself in a new environment, potentially with a team that offers a fresh opportunity for growth, championship contention, and a larger leadership role.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers offer unique opportunities for Curry to thrive in a new setting. Both teams have the potential to build championship-contending rosters around him, with their young stars ready to take the next step in their development. Curry’s presence could be the final piece for either franchise to truly compete for an NBA title in the near future.

Additionally, a trade could help Curry extend his career by providing a more tailored environment in which he could focus on his strengths—shooting, playmaking, and leadership—while being part of a younger, more dynamic roster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young, Dynamic Team Ready for a Superstar

The Oklahoma City Thunder have rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have built a roster filled with promising young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren, who was selected second overall in the 2023 draft. The team also boasts a wealth of future draft picks, giving them flexibility and a treasure trove of assets that could be used to bring in a superstar player like Curry.

For the Thunder, adding Steph Curry would not only elevate their chances of competing immediately but also provide a perfect mentor for their young talent. Gilgeous-Alexander has already established himself as one of the league’s brightest stars, and Curry’s leadership would help the Thunder’s young roster navigate the challenges of playoff basketball. Giddey’s passing ability would complement Curry’s scoring prowess, creating an even more dynamic offensive unit. Curry would be a perfect veteran leader to guide the Thunder through the next stages of their development, while Holmgren—a versatile big man—could thrive alongside Curry’s playmaking ability.

From a basketball perspective, Curry’s arrival would immediately make the Thunder one of the most dangerous offenses in the NBA. With Curry stretching the floor, the Thunder’s young players would have more space to operate, leading to easier scoring opportunities for everyone. Moreover, Curry’s ability to handle the ball and make plays would take pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, allowing him to focus more on scoring while running the offense.

For Curry, a move to Oklahoma City would be a fresh start, allowing him to play with a highly skilled, young roster with championship aspirations. The Thunder’s core is not yet ready to win an NBA title, but with Curry on the roster, they could accelerate their timeline and challenge for a championship sooner than expected. Curry’s influence could be pivotal in speeding up the maturation of the Thunder’s young stars, with Oklahoma City poised to make a deep playoff run within a couple of years.

The Cleveland Cavaliers: A Contender on the Rise

The Cleveland Cavaliers are another team that could benefit from adding Steph Curry to their roster. After years of rebuilding, the Cavaliers have finally positioned themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to the development of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland has built a solid defensive identity, but to truly compete for championships, the Cavaliers need a dynamic offensive leader to complement their young stars.

Curry’s presence in Cleveland would immediately boost their offense. While Garland is a skilled playmaker, he would benefit greatly from having a proven leader like Curry to take the pressure off him as the primary ball-handler. Curry would provide the Cavaliers with elite shooting and an offensive system centered around his ability to space the floor. With Mobley developing into an all-around star and Allen providing a strong interior presence, Curry would add the final piece needed for the Cavaliers to challenge the NBA’s top teams.

For Curry, the Cavaliers offer a chance to lead a team on the rise and play alongside one of the league’s most promising young players in Garland. With the Cavaliers’ ability to space the floor and build a well-rounded team, Curry could thrive in an offense designed to maximize his shooting prowess. While the team may not be ready to contend for a title in the immediate future, adding Curry could elevate Cleveland into a serious contender within the next few years.

What the Warriors Would Get in Return

If the Warriors were to trade Curry to either the Thunder or the Cavaliers, they would likely receive a combination of young players, draft picks, and salary relief, which would allow them to begin a rebuild centered around younger stars. The Thunder have an abundance of draft capital, which could be valuable for the Warriors as they look to build their future around younger talent. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have a well-balanced roster and could offer up Garland or other key assets to sweeten the deal.

For the Warriors, a successful trade would not only bring in valuable assets but also provide them with the flexibility to refresh their roster and position themselves for the next phase of their franchise’s history. Trading Curry would likely be an emotional decision, but it could be a smart move from a long-term perspective, especially if the team is looking to build around a younger core.