The Golden State Warriors are currently facing a tumultuous season, having been plagued by injuries, inconsistent performances, and struggles to find cohesion on both ends of the floor. While the presence of a transcendent talent like Steph Curry, along with key figures like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, remains a beacon of hope, the team’s underperformance has raised serious concerns about their championship aspirations. As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Warriors must consider making moves to get their season back on track. Below, we’ll explore three potential trades that could reinvigorate the Warriors’ title hopes and restore them to the upper echelons of the NBA.
Trade 1: Warriors Trade James Wiseman and Moses Moody for Myles Turner
The Deal:
Golden State Warriors receive: Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
Indiana Pacers receive: James Wiseman, Moses Moody, 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
Rationale for Golden State:
The Warriors’ frontcourt depth has been a point of concern throughout the season. James Wiseman, once considered the future of the franchise, has failed to live up to expectations, struggling to find a consistent role on the team. While Wiseman has shown flashes of potential, his development has stagnated, and the Warriors are running out of time to figure out his place in their championship window. Moses Moody, another young player with promise, has seen limited playing time and hasn’t been able to crack the rotation regularly.
The addition of Myles Turner addresses two key needs for Golden State: rim protection and a reliable floor-spacing big. Turner is one of the premier shot-blockers in the league, with a career average of 2.7 blocks per game, which would greatly benefit the Warriors, who have struggled defensively in the paint. Additionally, Turner can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, which fits well with Golden State’s offensive system. His ability to space the floor allows Curry, Thompson, and Green to operate without the clutter inside the paint, making the offense more fluid.
Turner also gives Golden State a more durable and proven option in the frontcourt compared to Wiseman, whose development has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent play. Turner’s ability to protect the rim and shoot the three-ball would complement Green’s playmaking and anchoring of the defense.
Rationale for Indiana:
For the Pacers, trading Myles Turner would be a tough decision, but it could signal a shift toward a rebuild or retooling effort. The team is still in the early stages of developing its core, with players like Tyrese Haliburton leading the way, and acquiring Wiseman gives them a potential long-term investment in the frontcourt. Wiseman, though inconsistent, has the physical tools to become a dominant big man, and a change of scenery could spark his development.
Moses Moody also offers the Pacers a versatile wing who can develop further with more playing time. The addition of draft capital (in the form of the 2025 first-round pick) would further support Indiana’s rebuilding efforts and provide flexibility in future moves. While trading Turner may temporarily weaken the Pacers, the long-term potential of Wiseman and Moody—coupled with the future first-round pick—could be a worthwhile gamble.
Trade 2: Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga and a Future First-Round Pick for OG Anunoby
The Deal:
Golden State Warriors receive: OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)
Toronto Raptors receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2025 first-round pick (unprotected)
Rationale for Golden State:
One of the Warriors’ biggest weaknesses this season has been their defense. While Green remains a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, the Warriors’ wing defense is an area that has caused issues, particularly against bigger, stronger offensive players. Jonathan Kuminga, who has shown flashes of potential on both sides of the ball, is still developing and doesn’t yet provide the consistent impact that the Warriors need at the position.
OG Anunoby is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, known for his elite perimeter defense and ability to knock down shots from the outside. Anunoby’s versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, which would be invaluable to Golden State, particularly when they face teams with star forwards or wings like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, or Luka Dončić in the playoffs. Anunoby would immediately step into the starting lineup, providing a reliable defender on the perimeter while also adding to the Warriors’ depth on offense. He is a proven 3-and-D player who can hit threes at a solid clip and is capable of defending the opposing team’s best player night in and night out.
Kuminga, while showing promise, has not yet reached the level of production expected from him, and with the Warriors’ championship window closing, they need more immediate impact players. The addition of Anunoby, a player who could thrive in Golden State’s system, would bolster their chances in the postseason, particularly on the defensive end.
Rationale for Toronto:
The Toronto Raptors find themselves in a bit of a limbo. While they have a strong core in place, led by Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Anunoby, the team is not currently contending for a championship. With Anunoby being one of their most valuable assets, the Raptors may look to pivot toward a rebuild, especially if they are not able to sign him to a long-term extension.
By acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, Toronto gains a young, high-upside player who can eventually become a key piece of their future. Kuminga has the physical tools and raw potential to be a star, and a change in scenery might help him realize that potential. The 2025 first-round pick would also give Toronto added flexibility in the draft, allowing them to continue building for the future. For the Raptors, this trade is about securing long-term assets and flexibility, while still remaining competitive in the short term with the rest of their core.
Trade 3: Warriors Trade Jordan Poole for DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso
The Deal:
Golden State Warriors receive: DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls), Alex Caruso (Chicago Bulls)
Chicago Bulls receive: Jordan Poole, 2025 second-round pick
Rationale for Golden State:
This trade would represent a significant shift in the Warriors’ lineup and philosophy. Jordan Poole has had a solid season offensively, providing scoring off the bench, but his defensive deficiencies and occasional shot selection have been a concern. The Warriors need more balance and experience in their backcourt, especially in the postseason, where Poole’s inconsistency has been exposed.
DeMar DeRozan would be an excellent addition to Golden State’s roster. While he doesn’t fit the traditional Warriors mold of a three-point shooter, DeRozan is a proven scorer who can generate offense in a variety of ways, especially in the mid-range. His ability to get to the basket and score in isolation situations would provide Golden State with a different dynamic, offering a reliable scoring option when Curry and Thompson are covered by tough defenders. DeRozan’s experience and ability to perform in clutch situations would be invaluable during the postseason.
Alex Caruso, meanwhile, is one of the best defensive guards in the league. His elite perimeter defense, combined with his ability to generate steals and disrupt opposing offenses, would bolster Golden State’s defense. Caruso has championship experience with the Lakers and knows what it takes to contribute on a title-winning team. His leadership on defense would be a much-needed stabilizing force alongside Green.
Rationale for Chicago:
The Chicago Bulls are in an awkward position, with a roster that is talented but underperforming. With DeRozan and Caruso being key contributors, the Bulls may look to get younger and inject more scoring punch into the team. Jordan Poole, with his scoring ability and the potential for further development, could be a centerpiece of that effort. While Poole has shown inconsistency, he has the potential to become a top-tier scorer in the league, making him a worthwhile asset for the Bulls as they look to rebuild or retool.
The second-round pick also provides Chicago with more flexibility for future moves or to potentially add more young talent. This trade would be about Chicago pivoting to a younger, more dynamic backcourt while giving Golden State the veteran leadership and two-way ability they need to compete for another championship.
