The Golden State Warriors are reportedly focused on adding a star to pair with Stephen Curry prior to February’s trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Warriors Trade Rumors: Front Office Intends To Add A Klay Thompson-Esque Star To Play Alongside Stephen Curry
“I’m told that the Warriors are on the real hunt for a star, a playmaker, a scorer alongside Stephen Curry,” Charania said during a Friday appearance on the network’s “NBA Today.”
The Warriors are currently 13-8 and rank fifth in the Western Conference standings to open the year. However, another star is needed. During the offseason, sharpshooter Klay Thompson ended his incredible 13-year run with Golden State.
.@ShamsCharania says the Warriors are on the trade market looking for a star 👀 pic.twitter.com/owSwf8jsGD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 6, 2024
Thompson, who turns 35 on Feb. 8, agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. For the longest time, the five-time All-Star served as Curry’s reliable wingman.
Another high-profile teammate could be needed in order for the Warriors to compete with the likes of the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (17-5) and a young Houston Rockets club (15-8) in the wild, wild West.
Golden State has somehow gone 4-1 overall in the five games that Curry has missed this year. Buddy Hield, who the Warriors acquired in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers, is shooting 42.8% from 3-point range.
Golden State Had Interest In Trading For Miami Heat Forward Jimmy Butler In September
Additionally, Andrew Wiggins’ scoring average of 17.5 points per game is his highest mark since the 2020-21 season. Wiggins is now Golden State’s second-leading scorer, but he might not be enough to assist Curry come playoff time.
Hield ($8.8 million) will become trade eligible on Dec. 15, while Wiggins ($26.3 million) is already potentially being shopped. Draymond Green ($24.1 million), Gary Payton II ($9.1 million), and Kevon Looney ($8 million) are Golden State’s other trade-eligible players.
De’Anthony Melton ($12.8 million) and Kyle Anderson ($8.8 million) will become eligible later this month as well. Another one is Moses Moody, who has a poison pill, meaning his incoming salary counts as $10.8 million, and his outgoing salary is $5.8 million.
Golden State was interested in Utah Jazz star forward Lauri Markkanen during the summer, but his eventual four-year, $195.86 million extension agreement means that he can’t be dealt until next offseason.
Of course, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported in September that the Warriors “have interest” in Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Per Butler’s contract details, he’s owed $48.78 million this season, and his deal includes a 2025-26 player option that is worth $52.41 million.
The Warriors can trade a maximum of three first-round draft picks in a deal: 2026, 2028, and 2030 (if 1-20).
