The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most active teams in trade discussions, making significant moves to extend their championship window. The Warriors already traded for six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler at the 2025 NBA trade deadline, creating a new big three with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. This major acquisition shows the team’s commitment to maximizing their current core’s remaining years.
Despite landing Butler, Golden State continues to explore additional moves. Warriors executives have called the Lakers multiple times over 18 months to discuss a potential LeBron James trade, showing their interest in pairing the two greatest players of their generation with Curry.
The team faces important decisions with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose contract situation could impact future trade possibilities. The Warriors have offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million deal, but he remains unsigned and threatens to take the qualifying offer, which would limit the team’s flexibility in potential blockbuster deals.
Key Takeaways – NBA Trades Warriors
- The Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler at the 2025 deadline to form a championship-focused big three
- Golden State continues pursuing LeBron James despite already acquiring an All-Star this season
- Jonathan Kuminga’s unsigned contract status affects the team’s ability to make additional major trades
Recent Golden State Warriors Trades
The Warriors made strategic moves to strengthen their roster while maintaining flexibility for bigger deals. The Dennis Schroder trade from Brooklyn highlights their measured approach to team building.
Dennis Schroder Acquisition from Brooklyn Nets
The Warriors acquired veteran point guard Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets in December 2024. This move addressed their need for backcourt depth behind Stephen Curry.
Schroder brings playoff experience and scoring ability to Golden State’s second unit. The German guard averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game with Brooklyn before the trade.
Trade Details:
- Warriors received: Dennis Schroder
- Nets received: Future second-round pick and cash considerations
- Trade completed: December 2024
The deal represents the type of smaller move the Warriors are willing to make. They avoided giving up significant assets while adding a proven veteran contributor.
Evaluation of Recent Trade Impact
Dennis Schroder has provided immediate value off the bench for Steve Kerr’s rotation. His ball-handling skills complement Draymond Green’s playmaking from the forward position.
The veteran guard’s ability to create his own shot has been crucial during Curry’s rest periods. Schroder’s defensive intensity also fits the Warriors’ system well.
His chemistry with the team developed quickly due to his basketball IQ. The Warriors maintained their spacing while adding another reliable scorer.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Minutes per game: 22-25
- Scoring impact: 12-15 points off bench
- Playmaking: 4-5 assists per game
Front Office Moves and Trade Strategy
Mike Dunleavy Jr. continues building around the Warriors’ championship core. The general manager has shown patience while searching for impact players.
The Warriors’ trade approach focuses on preserving assets for a bigger move. They want to avoid making trades that only make them “slightly above average.”
Dunleavy Jr. has kept the team’s future picks and young players available. This strategy allows Golden State to pursue star-level talent when it becomes available.
The front office monitors players like Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine. However, they will only act if they believe the player can make a championship difference.
Current Trade Assets:
- Multiple future first-round picks
- Young players like Jonathan Kuminga
- Expiring contracts for salary matching
Rumored Warriors Trade Targets Before the NBA Trade Deadline
The Golden State Warriors are actively exploring multiple trade scenarios as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Key targets include established stars like Jimmy Butler, frontcourt players such as Nikola Vucevic, and versatile wings including Cam Johnson.
Pursuit of Jimmy Butler and Superstar Upgrades
The Warriors have emerged as serious contenders for Jimmy Butler, who remains one of the most coveted players ahead of the trade deadline. NBA experts predict the Warriors are likely to make a big move before the deadline passes.
Butler would provide the Warriors with a proven playoff performer who complements Stephen Curry’s offensive game. The six-time All-Star brings elite two-way ability and championship experience.
However, acquiring Butler would require significant assets. The Warriors would likely need to part with multiple players and draft picks to make salaries work.
Recent reports indicate the Warriors have a close to zero chance of landing certain rumored targets. This suggests competition for top-tier players remains fierce across the league.
The team’s front office continues evaluating which superstars are realistically available. They must balance immediate championship aspirations with long-term roster construction.
Interest in Nikola Vucevic and Frontcourt Reinforcements
Nikola Vucevic stands out as a primary target for the Warriors’ frontcourt needs. Current NBA trade rumors identify Vucevic as a likely candidate for Golden State’s roster improvements.
The two-time All-Star center would address the Warriors’ rebounding and interior scoring deficiencies. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting fits their offensive system perfectly.
His veteran presence would provide stability alongside the Warriors’ aging core. The 34-year-old brings playoff experience and professional leadership qualities.
Chicago appears willing to move Vucevic as they rebuild their roster. The Bulls’ asking price remains reasonable compared to other available centers.
Key Benefits of Acquiring Vucevic:
- Improved rebounding and interior defense
- Floor spacing with three-point shooting
- Veteran leadership and playoff experience
- Reasonable trade cost compared to alternatives
Potential Deals for Cam Johnson and Other Key Players
Cam Johnson represents another intriguing option for the Warriors’ wing rotation. The versatile forward offers three-point shooting and defensive versatility that fits their system.
Johnson’s contract situation makes him an attractive trade candidate. His reasonable salary allows for easier trade construction without major roster disruption.
Reports suggest the Warriors are exploring multiple avenues to add complementary pieces around their veteran core. Johnson fits this description perfectly.
Additional Rumored Targets Include:
- Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
- Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
The Warriors face pressure to maximize their championship window with Stephen Curry still performing at an elite level. The organization is predicted to make a blockbuster trade before the deadline arrives.
Management must balance immediate needs with future flexibility. Each potential trade carries significant implications for both this season and beyond.
Key Trade Assets and Contract Situations
The Golden State Warriors possess several valuable trade pieces centered around young talent and expiring contracts. Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency status creates unique sign-and-trade opportunities while the team’s draft capital provides additional leverage.
Jonathan Kuminga Contract and Sign-and-Trade Dynamics
Jonathan Kuminga represents the Warriors’ most valuable trade asset as a 22-year-old forward entering restricted free agency. His contract situation creates sign-and-trade opportunities that could help Golden State match financial demands of superstars.
Multiple teams have shown interest in Kuminga through potential sign-and-trade scenarios. The Bulls and Heat are among franchises interested in Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade deals, making him the most intriguing restricted free agent available.
Key Benefits of Kuminga Sign-and-Trade:
- Allows Warriors to receive assets instead of losing him for nothing
- Helps teams acquire Kuminga while managing salary cap constraints
- Creates pathway for Golden State to land bigger contracts in return
The forward’s youth and potential make him attractive to rebuilding teams. His restricted status gives the Warriors control over any deal structure.
Warriors Youth and Expiring Contracts in Trade Talks
Golden State maintains flexibility through a mix of young players and expiring deals. The Warriors can utilize assets including Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski alongside expiring contracts.
Current Expiring Contracts:
- Gary Payton II: $9.13 million
- Kevon Looney: $8 million
Dennis Schroder adds another tradeable piece after his recent acquisition from Brooklyn. The Warriors completed the Schroder trade with specific details that allow them to flip him if needed.
Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski provide additional young talent that contending teams value. These players offer team-friendly contracts and upside potential.
Gary Payton II’s defensive skills combined with his expiring deal make him valuable in trade discussions, especially as Golden State manages luxury tax concerns.
Leveraging Draft Picks and Team Flexibility
Draft capital serves as a crucial component in Warriors trade packages. The team’s draft picks could be a major difference-maker in potential deals, particularly when targeting established stars.
Golden State holds multiple first-round selections that enhance their trade proposals. These picks become more attractive when combined with young players or expiring contracts.
Trade Package Components:
- First-round draft picks
- Young players (Kuminga, Moody, Podziemski)
- Expiring contracts for salary matching
- Role players with specific skills
The Warriors’ willingness to move assets depends on available targets. Stephen Curry’s championship window influences how aggressively the franchise pursues trades.
Recent rumors suggest Golden State remains active in trade discussions. The team balances competing now with Curry while maintaining future flexibility through smart asset management.
Team Outlook and Leadership Perspectives
The Warriors’ leadership structure combines veteran player guidance with front office strategy as they navigate the current trade market. Key decision-makers are taking an active role in shaping roster moves while balancing championship aspirations with long-term sustainability.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green’s Leadership Roles
Stephen Curry’s recent injury revealed critical gaps in the Warriors’ roster depth. The team lost four straight games without their two-time MVP, showing how dependent Golden State remains on his playmaking and scoring.
Curry’s influence extends beyond the court. He works closely with management on roster decisions. His championship window drives the urgency behind current trade discussions.
Draymond Green serves as the team’s defensive anchor and vocal leader. His experience in championship runs gives him significant input on potential roster additions.
Green focuses on players who fit the Warriors’ culture. He values veterans who understand playoff basketball and can contribute immediately.
The Warriors’ big three now includes Jimmy Butler, creating a new leadership dynamic. This trio forms the core that management plans to build around through trades.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Steve Kerr’s Trade Approach – NBA Trades Warriors
Mike Dunleavy Jr. has assembled significant trade assets for the upcoming moves. The Warriors control up to four first-round picks that can be used in deals.
The front office also holds tradeable contracts and pick swaps. These assets give Golden State flexibility in pursuing different trade scenarios.
Steve Kerr learned valuable lessons from Curry’s absence during the playoffs. The coach now prioritizes adding players who can maintain team performance when stars rest.
Kerr and the front office target specific positions. They want a playmaking wing defender or a center to strengthen the rotation.
The coaching staff evaluates how potential trades fit the team’s identity. Cultural fit matters as much as talent in their decision-making process.
The Warriors will be incredibly aggressive in the marketplace this offseason. Leadership understands the current roster wasn’t good enough for championship contention.
Balancing Immediate Success with Long-Term Goals
The Warriors face tough decisions about young talent like Jonathan Kuminga. The 22-year-old forward showed promise during Curry’s injury, averaging 24.3 points in four games.
Kuminga’s inconsistent role under Kerr creates trade possibilities. He could be valuable in a sign-and-trade deal for more established players.
Championship window considerations drive most decisions. Curry, Green, and Butler are all in their 30s, creating urgency for immediate upgrades.
The front office must decide which young players to keep versus trade. Future draft picks could become valuable if the current core ages out quickly.
Trade targets focus on win-now veterans rather than developmental prospects. The team prioritizes players who can contribute in playoff situations immediately.
Golden State’s approach reflects their championship experience. They understand the difficulty of winning titles and won’t waste opportunities with their current core.
