Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
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Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors are expected to remain aggressive in the offseason as they look to extend the championship window around franchise icon Stephen Curry.
One new proposal suggests the Warriors could revisit a familiar name in their search for another superstar.
According to Bleacher Report analyst Dan Favale, Kawhi Leonard could emerge as one of Golden State’s most intriguing offseason trade targets.
Favale included Leonard among several star players the Warriors could pursue if their pursuit of bigger names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Donovan Mitchell ultimately fails to materialize.
Kawhi Leonard Viewed as High-Risk, High-Reward Target
Jimmy Butler II, Kawhi Leonard, Warriors
GettyJimmy Butler III of the Golden State Warriors defends against the dribble of Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Favale acknowledged that Leonard’s health history introduces risk but argued the potential reward could make the gamble worthwhile for Golden State.
“Kawhi Leonard increases the variance for the Warriors’ range of outcomes with his own murky health bill,” Favale wrote.
However, the financial and asset costs could be significantly lower than pursuing other superstar targets.
“The risk-reward profile is well worth it when Jimmy Butler would be the matching salary and is going to miss part of next season anyway,” Favale wrote. “Fun Guy should also cost fewer picks than Giannis or Mitchell and still permits the front office to play its ‘See?! We’re trying!’ card.”
For a franchise determined to maximize the final years of Curry’s career, the idea of acquiring a two-time NBA Finals MVP could present an appealing path forward.
Warriors Have Already Explored Leonard Trade
Leonard is not a new name in Golden State’s orbit.
According to reporting from Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Warriors were among the teams that contacted the Los Angeles Clippers about Leonard earlier this season when it appeared the franchise might consider moving its star forward.
“In the lead-up to the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5, the Warriors checked in on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and were among the teams to make a call about Kawhi Leonard when it appeared the LA Clippers might be open for business,” Slater and Shelburne reported, citing league sources.
Golden State ultimately struck out on those pursuits before pivoting to another move at the trade deadline while maintaining its draft capital.
Warriors Previously Missed on Multiple Superstar Targets
Before exploring Leonard, the Warriors had focused heavily on acquiring Antetokounmpo from the Bucks.
The two-time MVP, however, remained with Milwaukee, the franchise that originally selected him in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Golden State also explored a possible trade involving Jaren Jackson Jr. before the two-time All-Star was eventually dealt to the Utah Jazz.
After missing out on those blockbuster opportunities, the Warriors shifted course by sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis.
The move signaled Golden State’s willingness to remain aggressive in reshaping the roster around Curry.
Leonard Enjoying Resurgence With Clippers
Leonard’s potential availability is tied to his recent resurgence after multiple injury-plagued seasons.
The two-time NBA champion earned his seventh All-Star selection this season while delivering one of the best statistical campaigns of his career.
Leonard is averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game, once again showcasing the elite two-way skill set that made him the most coveted free agent of 2019.
His play has helped lift the Clippers back into playoff contention. After opening the season with a 6–21 record, Los Angeles has climbed to the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 32–32 mark.
Warriors Could Form Veteran Superteam Around Curry
Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry v Los Angeles Clippers Stephen Curry
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past the defense of Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
If Golden State were able to acquire Leonard, the resulting lineup would instantly rank among the most intriguing in the league.
A core featuring Curry, Leonard and Draymond Green would combine championship pedigree with elite two-way versatility—assuming health cooperates.
Still, the Clippers have resisted trade overtures so far.
Despite dealing away former franchise cornerstones James Harden and Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles has reportedly rejected multiple calls about Leonard, signaling that the organization remains committed to building around the 34-year-old star.
But the NBA landscape can shift quickly, particularly after playoff disappointments.
Until Leonard signs another contract extension, his name is expected to remain a fixture in offseason trade speculation—especially for teams like the Warriors that are determined to keep their championship ambitions alive while Curry continues to play at an elite level.