The Golden State Warriors made a huge swing when they acquired Jimmy Butler ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline, aiming to maximize Stephen Curry's remaining years.
With Curry entering his age-37 season, the Warriors are seemingly running out of time to win another title with him. The team has been held up in free agency this offseason due to contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and will likely wait to finalize roster moves until his situation is resolved. Despite the Warriors’ quiet summer, they still appear to be a near-contending team in a stacked Western Conference.
Golden State made it to the Western Conference semifinals last season and has the tools to contend in a star-studded West. Curry and Butler are a dangerous tandem, and building around them will be key in the Warriors’ quest for another championship.
Warriors trade Brandin Podziemski for reigning Rookie of the Year
The Warriors fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games during the Western Conference semifinals last season, though Curry missed the final four. Podziemski had a few strong games during the club's playoff run but struggled to produce consistently.
MORE: Warriors get bad news on Jonathan Kuminga's $45 million contract decision
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently compiled a trade that would send the 22-year-old to the San Antonio Spurs, bringing a defensive upgrade in Stephon Castle to Golden State.
Here's Buckley's proposed trade:
Warriors receive: Stephon Castle
Spurs receive: Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, 2028 first-round pick (top-three protected)
Podziemski started 33 regular-season games for Golden State last season and showed improvement from his rookie campaign. However, Castle would be a significant upgrade defensively and has far more upside overall.
Still, with the Spurs trading for De’Aaron Fox last season and drafting Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they may eventually look to move on from Castle.
The 20-year-old UConn product could make an immediate impact for Golden State while acting as a bridge to the team's next era without Curry. If the club truly wants to maximize the superstar's remaining years, adding a sound defender and rising star to pair with him in the backcourt could be a very viable option.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Luka Doncic vs. Mavericks beef just added a hilarious new layer
- Celtics 'excited' to see growth of $7.2 million 7-footer in expanded role
- Bulls receive positive update on Josh Giddey contract negotiations
- Bulls trade proposal sends Coby White to Eastern Conference rival
- Former Nuggets first-round pick Bones Hyland linked to Western Conference rival