The Golden State Warriors have become one of the most active teams in NBA free agency following the departure of longtime guard and four-time champion Klay Thompson. After acquiring De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson, the Warriors are looking to rebound from last year’s disappointing play-in tournament loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Rising stars like Brandon Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga are looking to capitalize on their promising seasons, while the team is hoping Andrew Wiggins can bounce back from the worst campaign of his career. But if Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s plans don’t pan out, here are three blockbuster trades the Golden State Warriors could consider before the trade deadline.
The Golden State Warriors receive: Kyle Kuzma
The Washington Wizards receive: Draymond Green, first-round pick in 2029 and 2031, second-round pick in 2029
Draymond Green caused the Warriors a lot of headaches last season after multiple suspensions following altercations with Rudy Gobert and Jusuf Nurkić. After playing in just 55 games, the longtime veteran could be on the hot seat as the next member of the Warriors’ big three to be singled out.
This trade would send Green, along with first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, and a second-round pick in 2029 to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. With the Wizards likely in another rebuilding year, parting with Green’s contract in exchange for future draft capital — potentially valuable lottery picks after the Steph Curry era — could be intriguing. For the Warriors, adding Kuzma would provide another solid scoring option on the floor and a younger asset with fewer issues on the court.
The Golden State Warriors receive: Ben Simmons, Jalen Wilson, 2025 first-round pick
The Brooklyn Nets receive: Draymond Green, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Gui Santos
This trade would be a huge risk, but could offer long-term benefits. While Ben Simmons has struggled with injuries over the past three seasons, this could be the year he regains his All-Star form. At 28, Simmons can defend all over the court and play a similar role as a frontcourt facilitator. The Warriors could also get back a first-round pick for a deep 2025 draft class, or another asset to bundle with Andrew Wiggins in a second contract for a complementary star.
Green would be able to mentor a young Brooklyn Nets team by developing big men, perhaps exceeding low expectations within the clubhouse.
The Golden State Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram
The New Orleans Pelicans host: Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield
Brandon Ingram’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans is uncertain after the team declined to extend the 26-year-old’s contract over his demand for more than $100,000. $200 million over four years. With a question mark hanging over Ingram’s contract status, a potential trade could be on the horizon. The Warriors could take advantage of the situation by trading Andrew Wiggins, who finished a disappointing season with inconsistent scoring and shooting.
This deal could land Ingram the contract he wants with a contending team, while giving Wiggins another chance to redeem himself alongside Zion Williamson in New Orleans.
