Dec 22, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
After a relatively quiet offseason, the Golden State Warriors are set to enter the new campaign with a 15-man roster. In many ways, a team led by the core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green cannot be ruled out. Still, given the depth of competition in the West, it may not be enough.
The Warriors’ offseason approach to trading for another superstar can only be termed tentative. Despite the opportunity to acquire marquee players to support Stephen Curry, the Dubs were hesitant to make these trades. While this could be attributed to their faith in Jimmy Butler, the ownership’s reservations about parting with draft capital seem to be the primary reason.
At 38, Stephen Curry is still capable of producing magic, but concerns about his lingering knee issues have paved the way for links to other superstars. While players like Devin Booker have been mentioned lately, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed a potential trade to pair Curry with a young superstar. Here is Bailey’s trade package:
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Paolo Banchero, Goga Bitadze, A.J. Green
Orlando Magic Receive: Jimmy Butler, Yaxel Lendeborg, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2033 first-round pick
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Wendell Carter Jr.
By the looks of it, the Bucks‘ primary role is to serve as a mediator for this trade, taking on Wendell Carter Jr.‘s salary to offset against the Magic‘s incoming contracts. While parting with A.J. Green would also give Milwaukee the flexibility to absorb Carter’s contract, the upside for the Bucks in this scenario is relatively negligible.
On that note, we will focus on how this trade impacts the Warriors and the Magic, both of whom could undergo drastic shifts after this deal. However, we will first begin by examining the financial outlook of this proposal.
Financial Outlook
Given that the Warriors and the Magic are both facing salary cap constraints, the fiscal aspect of this trade will prove crucial.
Golden State currently has an active cap of $220.8 million, giving them roughly $800,000 before being hard-capped at the second apron. Since this lack of flexibility could prove detrimental to Golden State’s efforts later in the campaign, offloading Jimmy Butler’s $56.8 million contract along with Yaxel Lendeborg‘s $6.0 million cap hit seems reasonable.
With $62.8 million in outgoing salaries, Golden State would have significant cap flexibility. With the incoming salaries of Paolo Banchero ($41.2 million), Goga Bitadze ($7.6 million), and A.J. Green ($10.0 million), the Dubs would shed roughly $4.0 million in cap space.
In comparison, the salary shedding for the Magic may be even more significant. Aside from the contracts of Banchero and Bitadze, Orlando would also be sending Wendell Carter Jr.’s $18.1 million to Milwaukee, freeing up a total of $66.9 million. Hence, having shed $4.1 million in salary, the Magic could substantially reduce their luxury tax bill.
How Does This Trade Affect Orlando?
Trading Paolo Banchero would certainly be a huge decision for the Orlando Magic, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility. Considering that concerns have been raised about Banchero’s fit next to Franz Wagner for a while, along with Orlando’s recurring playoff shortcomings, a trade may not be the worst idea.
In this scenario, the Magic would essentially be acquiring the assets to structure a rebuild after trading Banchero to the Warriors. Along with Jimmy Butler’s expiring contract, the Magic would be adding a talented young player in Yaxel Lendeborg and three first-round picks.
While the first-round picks may be viewed as the most valuable assets in this trade, both Lendeborg and Butler could be worthwhile additions.
Butler’s expiring contract would undoubtedly give Orlando the flexibility to pursue a superstar in free agency next summer. However, given that he averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game last season, he could step up as a contributor for Orlando once he returns from injury, potentially serving as a short-term replacement for Banchero.
Meanwhile, Lendeborg is positioned as a versatile forward with two-way upside. At 23, the Warriors’ rookie is slightly more experienced than most players in his class, which could help him assimilate into Orlando’s rotation seamlessly.
During his senior year at Michigan last year, Lendeborg averaged 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. While he may not be a solid replacement for Carter Jr., he possesses the tools and developmental upside to be an impactful player for the Magic.
How Do The Warriors Benefit From This Deal?
The Warriors benefit significantly from this trade. Aside from the addition of a superstar forward like Paolo Banchero, the Dubs would be adding a capable big man in Goga Bitadze, along with a marksman in A.J. Green.
For starters, Paolo Banchero is positioned as a phenomenal fit for the Dubs. Although his preference for scoring in the mid-range may stand out as an issue in Golden State’s system, Banchero’s versatility as an athlete allows him to adjust his playing style. Thus, in a system that doesn’t revolve around him to carry the offense, the young forward may be far more effective.
Last season, Banchero averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Given his ability to rebound and his playmaking upside, the Warriors could benefit greatly by developing him as a counterpoint to Curry.
While Banchero is the most vital acquisition in this trade, both Bitadze and Green also add tremendous value to the rotation.
Bitadze positions himself as a serviceable big man, effectively serving as a backup to Kristaps Porzingis in this scenario. With averages of 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season, Bitadze’s toughness on the glass and his screen-setting ability would make him a natural fit in the Warriors’ rotation.
Similarly, Green’s skill set is virtually catered to fit the Warriors’ playing style. As a lethal movement shooter, Green fits seamlessly into Golden State’s backcourt. Given last season’s averages of 10.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game on 41.9% shooting from three-point range, he could be a key bench contributor.
With three solid players joining the roster, Golden State would also have the luxury to cut some less productive pieces. Given how this could strengthen their overall roster, the Warriors could view this trade favorably.
The Deal Isn’t Likely To Go Through
This trade scenario seems quite balanced for the most part, even for the Bucks, who gain a significant frontcourt upgrade by acquiring Wendell Carter Jr. While Bailey’s proposal certainly has promise, it is unlikely to go through.
Despite the inherent benefits the Warriors would enjoy from pairing Stephen Curry with a versatile forward like Paolo Banchero, the ownership’s unwillingness to part with first-round picks is an obstacle. Given that the franchise had doubts about a player like Jaylen Brown, who won Finals MVP, leading the team in the post-Curry era, Banchero may not be rated much higher.
Additionally, with three outgoing first-round picks, the Dubs would essentially be betting their entire future on Banchero, who is yet to prove himself in the playoffs. While the 23-year-old certainly possesses the potential to be phenomenal, the risk is simply too great.
Thus, it seems more likely that Golden State will bide its time. Since this upcoming season is considered a “gap year” by many, the Warriors won’t be in any rush to make trades, with Butler’s move at the deadline being the only possible move this season.