The Golden State Warriors' offseason is in full swing, and the next 24 hours may prove to be quite hectic as the league prepares for the premier event of the offseason, the 2025 NBA Draft.
This year's offseason has already kicked off with some major trades causing massive shifts in the balance of power. Many believe more activity is expected to happen on the day of the draft itself.
With valuable draft capital in play, teams are expected to make their moves to become stronger, and the Warriors aren't expected to stay quiet.
Golden State displayed an intention to be aggressive in the trade market this offseason. After their postseason campaign was derailed, the glaring shortcomings in the team's roster-building strategy were made apparent, demanding a new approach to mount a title charge next season.
With this in mind, the Dubs are expected to shift from their traditional "small ball" approach, thus seeking out bigmen and wing depth. This strategy has seen the team linked with several veterans, both in free agency and in trade rumors. Unfortunately, no such moves have materialized yet.
The 2025 Draft Night could be the occasion where the Warriors, much like many other teams, make their move. Given the kind of talent they have been linked with thus far, Golden State could look to make a big splash in the trade market.
With this in mind, we take a look at three of the most realistic trades the Warriors could make on draft night.
The Warriors Could Sign Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
One of the biggest trade rumors in the early segment of the offseason saw the Warriors linked with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although the forward will be immensely difficult to acquire, especially considering his contract and his recently expressed intentions to stay in Milwaukee, the Warriors may have the best chance of luring him away.
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
Any trade for Antetokounmpo will require the Warriors to empty their war chest of assets, including their most valuable element, Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga's upcoming contract extension is the only element that could potentially make this deal work. As a 22-year-old forward with a high upside, Kuminga showcases enough potential to develop into a star. If the Warriors place the right value on him, they could make a swing for the Greek superstar.
Along with Kuminga, the Warriors would have to part ways with solid rotation pieces in Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.
Podziemski saw positive development last season, averaging 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His reliable offensive productivity and pesky work on the defensive end made him a valuable member of the Warriors' rotation.
Meanwhile, Moody has tremendous scope for growth. Considering his remarkable two-way potential, the 23-year-old could bring solid value to the Bucks' plans if he is traded. His averages of 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds are also likely to improve when given more playing time.
Similarly, a developing center like Trayce Jackson-Davis could also be a key rotational figure on a rebuilding team like the Bucks.
The acquisition of Antetokounmpo would effectively transform Golden State into title favorites. With one of the most formidable starting rotations in the league, the Warriors would undoubtedly be a threat in the West.
The Warriors Make A Run At Trading For Jaren Jackson Jr.
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dribbles during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dribbles during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Memphis Grizzlies effectively signaled the start of a rebuild by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. With a massive roster overhaul on the cards, the Grizzlies could see key players garner interest in trade talks, including Jaren Jackson Jr.
A player like Jackson Jr. could be a great addition to a team like the Warriors, who play a fluid, positionless brand of basketball. His averages of 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds on shooting splits of 48.8% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc could be wildly beneficial to the team.
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
Acquiring Jackson Jr. might be considered a significantly easier task for the Warriors than trading for Antetokounmpo. Jackson Jr. is due for a massive contract extension next season, and as an expiring contract, the Warriors will have some leverage in negotiating a potential deal for the star forward.
Jackson Jr.'s cap hit of $23.4 million is significantly less than what Kuminga's extension could be. Thus, in a deal for the Grizzlies forward, the Dubs could look at excluding their biggest asset and reserving him for another trade.
Instead, players on team-friendly contracts, such as Moody and Buddy Hield, will have much more value to a team like the Grizzlies. The addition of Trayce Jackson-Davis is a means of bolstering the Grizzlies' frontcourt rotation. The real value takeaway for Memphis will be the draft assets, a first-rounder and a second-rounder in the future to help them structure a rebuild strategy in the meantime.
While there is a likelihood that the Grizzlies may extend the demand for Jonathan Kuminga instead, the Warriors may be better off leveraging his contract to swing for a superstar.
The Warriors Could Crack A Massive Deal With The Chicago Bulls
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls have displayed an interest in trading with the Warriors this offseason, with a particular interest being shown in pairing Jonathan Kuminga with their young star Matas Buzelis. With this in mind, the Dubs could look at a completely different approach towards roster building and pursue a deal featuring some key rotational pieces instead of stars.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, 2025 No. 12 Overall pick, 2027 first-round pick
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
As mentioned earlier, any trade involving Jonathan Kuminga would be a sign-and-trade. With this in mind, given the kind of value the Dubs are willing to put on their forward, the Bulls would be likely to reciprocate in their trade package.
The addition of Nikola Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu could be great for Golden State. Although Vucevic has seen a drop-off in performance, he is a solid interior presence who can also score from the outside. With an average of 18.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, he showcases versatile offensive ability and rebounding skill, making him an ideal fit on the team.
Meanwhile, Dosunmu is a solid two-way guard who could improve Golden State's backcourt rotation. Although he lacks creativity as a playmaker, he tends to make up for it with his defensive effort. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season.
It is also important to note that both players will enter free agency next summer. This may not have as much value to the Warriors, who have a rather small title window, but it certainly gives their roster structural integrity heading into next season at the very least.
The Warriors Are Primed To Make Big Moves
Golden State saw a massive shift in performance after acquiring Jimmy Butler ahead of the trade deadline. The addition of the star forward effectively transformed the team from a mediocre team in the West into a title contender.
Although their season ended in disappointment, it gave the team enough reason to believe that they could win it all again if they made the right moves.
The offseason could be an interesting one for the Dubs, especially if they make the right moves. While their assets are limited, they still have enough appeal as a franchise to attract some of the biggest names in the league.
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