The Warriors would gain if Steph Curry were traded to the Thunder or Cavaliers, and..

The prospect of Stephen Curry being traded to another team is a scenario that has been largely speculated in the realm of NBA rumors and hypothetical trades. However, it is a notion that seems almost impossible given Curry’s legendary status with the Golden State Warriors. Curry has been the face of the franchise since he was drafted in 2009, transforming the Warriors into a dynasty and revolutionizing the game with his unparalleled shooting ability. The idea of trading him to a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Cleveland Cavaliers invites a multitude of discussions about how such a move would impact both teams and the Warriors themselves.

In this analysis, we’ll explore how the Golden State Warriors would benefit from trading Curry to either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Cleveland Cavaliers, examining both short-term and long-term implications for Golden State, as well as the potential upside for the receiving teams.

1. Context of Stephen Curry’s Legacy with the Warriors

Before delving into the specifics of a potential trade, it’s essential to understand Curry’s role with the Warriors. He is the franchise’s greatest player, a two-time MVP, and the driving force behind their four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). His shooting ability and basketball IQ have transformed the game, and his leadership has been a critical factor in the Warriors’ success. Curry’s value to the Warriors is immeasurable, both on and off the court.

That being said, the Warriors are an aging team, and Curry is 35 years old as of 2025. While he is still an elite player, the team faces a balancing act of maximizing their championship window with him while also planning for the future. The Warriors have made moves over the last few seasons to try to blend the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and James Wiseman (though Wiseman was traded in 2023) with the established core of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. A trade of Curry, while unlikely, would signify a drastic shift in the team’s direction.

Now, let’s dive into how the Warriors might benefit from trading Curry to either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Cleveland Cavaliers.

2. The Oklahoma City Thunder and their Young Core

The Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA right now. They have one of the youngest rosters, highlighted by superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2023 NBA Draft’s second overall pick Chet Holmgren, and promising young talents such as Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and Isaiah Joe. The Thunder have an abundance of draft picks, including several first-rounders that are still years away from being used. OKC’s general manager, Sam Presti, has consistently stockpiled assets, making the team one of the most flexible in terms of future moves.

How the Warriors Could Benefit from Trading Curry to OKC:

1. Asset Accumulation: A trade with the Thunder would likely focus on acquiring a combination of young players and draft picks. For the Warriors, this would provide them with an influx of future assets, allowing them to rebuild around their younger players like Kuminga and Moody, or perhaps even use the picks to trade for established talent in the future. A potential trade could include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (if the Thunder were willing to part with him), some combination of young players (Giddey, Williams, Holmgren), and a number of future first-round picks. This would provide the Warriors with a solid foundation for the future.
2. Cap Flexibility: Trading Curry would free up a significant amount of salary cap space, allowing the Warriors to go after other players in free agency or make moves to build around their new core. The Warriors are currently one of the highest-spending teams in the league, and with Curry’s $51 million salary for 2025-2026, moving him would allow them to reset their finances. This could give them more room to maneuver for another high-level player to pair with their younger talents.
3. Youth Movement: While the Warriors are still contenders with Curry, their core players are aging. By trading Curry for a younger, more versatile core, the Warriors could begin their transition into a new era. Adding a player like Holmgren, who offers both size and skill, alongside other young players, could help position the Warriors as future contenders once again, albeit with a new identity.
4. Immediate Future Success: If the Warriors are able to acquire high-level young talent, it could allow them to remain competitive in the immediate term, even without Curry. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would immediately improve the team, making them a playoff contender in the West. Additionally, the development of young players in this context would accelerate with the mentorship of veterans like Thompson and Green, keeping the Warriors in the playoff race for years to come.

3. The Cleveland Cavaliers and their Growing Contender Status

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most improved teams in the NBA over the past few seasons. After a period of rebuilding post-LeBron James, the Cavs have emerged as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. They have an excellent core led by All-Star guard Darius Garland, emerging superstar Evan Mobley, and the 2023 All-Star center Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers also added talented wing Caris LeVert and promising rookie forward Isaac Okoro, rounding out a squad that has playoff potential.

How the Warriors Could Benefit from Trading Curry to Cleveland:

1. Immediate Championship Contention: A trade with Cleveland could immediately place the Warriors back into title contention, especially if they receive players who are already well-established. The Cavaliers are close to becoming true championship contenders, and a player like Curry could put them over the top. Garland’s playmaking and Curry’s shooting would complement each other perfectly, while Mobley would provide the defensive presence needed to balance the team. This move could push Cleveland to a new level, and the Warriors might receive players and assets that would provide them with a strong foundation moving forward.
2. Cleveland’s Young Talent: The Warriors could benefit by acquiring Cleveland’s young players. Garland, Mobley, and Allen would all be great additions to Golden State’s core. Garland is an elite point guard who could take over leadership of the team, while Mobley is a potential defensive player of the year candidate and would provide the Warriors with the defensive presence they’ve lacked since their glory days. A player like Allen, who is a consistent double-double machine and one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, could be the missing piece for Golden State’s future.
3. Draft Picks and Flexibility: Like the Thunder, the Cavaliers have some intriguing draft picks that could be included in a trade. While Cleveland doesn’t have the same extensive collection of future picks that Oklahoma City does, they still have valuable assets, especially if they’re able to keep their roster intact while adding Curry. The Warriors could gain a combination of young talent and future picks that would be essential in their quest to rebuild.
4. Team Leadership and Mentorship: While Curry’s departure would leave a massive void in leadership, the Warriors could potentially replace that with Cleveland’s players—particularly Garland, who has already demonstrated his ability to lead. Additionally, the Warriors could look to build around a mix of veterans like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, who would provide guidance to their younger players. In contrast, Curry’s leadership on the court could help elevate the Cavaliers’ young roster to new heights.
5. Win-Now Potential for the Warriors: Cleveland’s core is already on the rise, and a trade involving Curry could keep the Warriors competitive in the present without sacrificing future potential. Adding a talent like Mobley would immediately address a key need for Golden State, especially on the defensive end.

4. Conclusion: What Would the Warriors Gain from Trading Curry?

Trading Stephen Curry, for all the hypothetical benefits, would undoubtedly be one of the most difficult decisions in Golden State’s history. However, the Warriors could gain significant advantages in both the short and long term by making such a move.

In the short term, trading Curry to a team like Oklahoma City or Cleveland could allow the Warriors to recalibrate their roster, bringing in young stars and future draft picks that would set them up for the future. By accumulating assets and rebuilding around a new, younger core, Golden State could remain competitive in the West for years to come.

In the long term, a trade could also bring about cap flexibility, positioning the Warriors to make moves that could ensure their future success. While trading Curry would mark the end of an era in Golden State, the assets gained from such a move could help the Warriors stay relevant in the evolving NBA landscape.

Both Oklahoma City and Cleveland present intriguing opportunities for the Warriors. In either scenario, the Warriors could embrace a new phase of their franchise’s history—one where they continue to compete while also laying the foundation for future greatness.