Warriors’ Three-Year Championship Window: The Quest for a Fifth Ring and a Big Trade

The Golden State Warriors, led by their iconic superstar Steph Curry, have set their sights on winning a fifth NBA championship. Curry recently signed a one-year, $62 million contract extension, aligning his contract with Draymond Green’s, and marking the beginning of a critical three-year window for the Warriors to achieve their lofty goal. With time ticking and Curry still in his prime, the Warriors are exploring ways to bolster their roster and bring in another star player to complement their championship aspirations.

Recent rumors suggest that the Warriors are eyeing a major trade, potentially involving some big names like Jimmy Butler or even Giannis Antetokounmpo. These rumors, while exciting, highlight the urgency for Golden State to make the most of Curry’s remaining years at the peak of his game. With the Warriors already making calls and assessing their options, the big question remains: Can they land another star to help Curry win that elusive fifth ring?

A Big Move on the Horizon?

According to Sam Amick, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, Jimmy Butler could become a free agent next summer as the Miami Heat have yet to secure an extension with their superstar. While the Warriors have expressed interest in Butler, and even made inquiries over the summer, they’ve also been linked to other high-profile players like Antetokounmpo. Giannis, in particular, has long been a target for Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob, who has harbored dreams of bringing the two-time MVP to the Bay Area.

However, while the allure of these two names is undeniable, questions about the feasibility of such a move loom large. Despite their interest, the Warriors have yet to make any significant moves and face challenges in constructing a trade that would land either player. The loss of key players like Klay Thompson and the reliance on role players has left many fans wondering if the Warriors can even secure a playoff spot, let alone contend for a championship without a significant roster upgrade.

The Warriors’ Trade Options

This summer, the Warriors explored several trade options. They aggressively pursued Paul George, one of the NBA’s elite two-way players, and even had discussions about acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. According to reports, Golden State was willing to offer a combination of players including Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and a first-round draft pick in exchange for George. However, the Los Angeles Clippers ultimately rejected the offer due to concerns over financial flexibility and the NBA’s new second-apron tax regulations.

The Warriors also tried to acquire Markkanen from Utah, but the Jazz demanded a massive haul in return, including every available draft pick, draft swap, and several young players like Kuminga, Moody, and rookie Brandin Podziemski. Golden State, unwilling to part with so many assets, backed out of the negotiations.

The Untouchables: Brandin Podziemski

One notable takeaway from the Warriors’ summer dealings is their unwavering commitment to rookie guard Brandin Podziemski. Drafted 19th overall in 2023, Podziemski has quickly impressed the Warriors’ front office with his work ethic and performance during practices and the NBA Summer League. General manager Mike Dunleavy even informed Podziemski on draft night that several teams were interested in acquiring him, but assured the young player that he was “not going anywhere” and was a key part of the Warriors’ future.

The team’s belief in Podziemski is so strong that even when Jazz owner Ryan Smith met with Lacob, Golden State refused to include Podziemski in any trade offers for Markkanen. As a result, some Warriors fans have expressed frustration, joking that the team might waste Curry’s prime years waiting for the rookie to develop into a valuable contributor.

Podziemski’s backstory is one of perseverance and continuous improvement. Despite being ranked 72nd in his high school recruiting class, he transferred to Santa Clara after a limited freshman year at Illinois. At Santa Clara, he blossomed into a 20-point-per-game scorer, earning conference player of the year honors and catching the attention of NBA scouts. While his role on the Warriors is still being defined, his ability to contribute as a rebounder, playmaker, and defender has earned him a spot in the team’s rotation. Still, some wonder if the Warriors’ decision to keep him untouchable will cost them a chance at acquiring a proven star.

Jonathan Kuminga’s Uncertain Future

In contrast to Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga finds himself on the trade block as the Warriors continue to search for ways to upgrade their roster. The seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has shown flashes of his immense potential, but inconsistencies and a lack of playing time during the playoffs have left both him and the Warriors frustrated.

Kuminga’s desire for a more significant role and potentially a max contract has made him a prime candidate for trade discussions. Despite starting 46 games last season and setting a franchise record for dunks, his defensive struggles and inability to space the floor have raised concerns. Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, even benched Kuminga late in the season in favor of other options, citing the need for more versatility from the young forward.

Kuminga’s trade value remains high, and the Warriors could package him with draft picks to land a star. They currently own several future first-round picks, including a valuable 2025 selection and multiple pick swaps, which could be enticing assets in any potential trade.

A Look Toward the Future

As the Warriors evaluate their trade options, they remain patient, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. If a team like the Milwaukee Bucks or Miami Heat underperforms or faces injuries, a star like Antetokounmpo or Butler could become available. Both players would be perfect fits alongside Curry, offering the scoring and defensive prowess needed to take the Warriors back to the top.

Another name to watch is Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers. With Leonard’s history of injuries and the Clippers’ inconsistent performance, Golden State could pounce if the situation in Los Angeles deteriorates. Additionally, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns has formed strong bonds with both Curry and Kerr during the Olympics, and some speculate that a reunion in the Bay Area could be possible down the line.

Even the possibility of LeBron James joining the Warriors has been floated in recent years, with both Curry and James expressing mutual admiration and a desire to play together. While this scenario may seem far-fetched, it underscores the lengths to which the Warriors are willing to go to ensure that Curry has the best chance to compete for another championship.

Conclusion

As the Warriors navigate this pivotal three-year window, they are methodically exploring every option to improve their roster and give Steph Curry one more shot at glory. While names like Giannis, Butler, and Leonard are tantalizing, the team is staying patient, biding their time until the perfect opportunity arises. Whether it’s through a blockbuster trade or internal development, one thing is clear: the Warriors are all in on winning a fifth championship for their beloved superstar.