The Golden State Warriors are a team that are in the process of revamping their entire roster. While the team has identified key positional upgrades that they will be required to make, it has been abundantly clear that facilitating this is no easy task.
The Warriors looked like a relatively mediocre team coming into the regular season. It was only after Jimmy Butler's acquisition that Golden State suddenly emerged as a potential title contender out of the West.
Although they were primed to make a solid run through the postseason, after convincingly dispatching the second-seeded Houston Rockets, tragedy struck in the second round. Stephen Curry's injury effectively nulled any chance the Warriors had of winning against the Timberwolves, and although they fought valiantly, they were sent packing in five games.
It was made abundantly clear that the Warriors needed more depth within their roster, particularly in the form of wing defenders and big men. While several players have been linked to the team, even in the capacity of superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, there hasn't been much to give Golden State a framework for the future.
In light of this, there is a trade package that would effectively address the Warriors' immediate needs while simultaneously turning them into a title contender, given their short window of opportunity.
With players such as Jonathan Kuminga headlining trade talks for Golden State, this also becomes an ideal opportunity for the franchise to make the most out of the forward's contract by bringing something in return. Let's take a look at the three-team trade proposal with the Brooklyn Nets and the Charlotte Hornets.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Cam Johnson, Mark Williams, Josh Okogie
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, 2027 First-Round Pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2032 First-Round Pick
The proposed trade package features substantial benefits for each team involved. Let's take a closer look at how the aforementioned teams stand to gain an opportunity to improve or retool in the offseason.
The Warriors' Offseason Plans Come To Fruition
For Golden State, this trade is a strategic win on multiple levels. The 2024–25 season exposed the Warriors' greatest flaws: inconsistency on the wing, limited rim protection, and the lack of impact from their young core outside of Jonathan Kuminga.
By moving Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State consolidates its assets into a more veteran, playoff-ready supporting cast for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
Mark Williams at 7'0" immediately addresses a major concern: the absence of a legitimate rim protector and interior anchor. With Kevon Looney’s role declining and Jackson-Davis still raw, Williams offers a physically imposing solution.
He’s already one of the NBA’s more promising young centers. He was averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds with 1.2 blocks per game in 2024–25 before injuries cut his season short.
He provides vertical spacing on offense and offers a lob threat Golden State has sorely lacked. More importantly, his defensive instincts and length will be invaluable in a Western Conference loaded with dominant bigs
Meanwhile, a player like Cam Johnson fills the perimeter shooting void vacated by Klay Thompson and, to a degree, Buddy Hield. Though less explosive than Hield, Johnson is a high-IQ player who thrives in off-ball motion, the exact style the Warriors' offense revolves around.
He can slot seamlessly into the Warriors’ second unit or closing lineups as a stretch-four, where his ability to knock down corner threes and switch defensively provides critical two-way value. With career averages of 39% from beyond the arc, Johnson would space the floor while also offering playoff experience and positional versatility.
The shot in the dark in this trade package is the acquisition of Josh Okogie. The forward may fly under the radar, but his addition shouldn’t be overlooked. He brings elite perimeter defense and hustle, traits the Warriors have lacked off the bench.
Okogie is a defensive specialist who can take pressure off aging defenders like Green, especially with Kuminga on the way out. This allows the Warriors to be more aggressive in pick-and-roll coverages and wing traps.
Overall, this trade sees the Warriors immediately transform into a title contender. While considering that the team has been linked to Williams already, there may be more basis in reality to back such a trade proposal going through.
The Nets Have An Opportunity To Cultivate A Superstar
The Brooklyn Nets' motivation here is clear: talent acquisition with an eye on the future. By offloading Cam Johnson and Josh Okogie, Brooklyn opens up minutes and developmental space for new cornerstones, especially Jonathan Kuminga.
The 22-year-old is coming off a relatively solid season, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He saw a drop in his numbers due to injuries and reduced minutes. Primarily due to his dissatisfaction with the Warriors organization, he is likely to be on his way out.
Brooklyn emerges as the ideal market for him to cultivate his talents. As a wing scorer with a knack for shot creation, the Nets could provide the best environment to see him develop into a superstar.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield gives the Nets another tradeable veteran or a much-needed sharpshooter to flank their young core. While Hield doesn’t align with Brooklyn’s timeline, his value as a floor-spacer could help open up driving lanes for young creators like Cam Thomas or Kuminga himself.
The addition of the 2027 first-round pick in the trade package is the other prize that the Nets will try to make the most of. After missing out on a key lottery pick this season, Brooklyn hopes to acquire more young talent in the future or build enough draft capital to make a play for a superstar.
The Charlotte Hornets Continue To Rebuild
The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. While they feature some incredibly talented players, it is beyond evident that the franchise itself needs direction.
With Mark Williams and Josh Okogie on the way out, the Hornets will welcome Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis in their stead. Although there may be a bit of a talent drop-off, the Hornets acquire two very durable players who can stick around for the long haul.
Moody, though inconsistent, has flashed strong defensive instincts and off-ball shooting in spurts with Golden State. He fits well as a low-usage 3-and-D wing next to LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller and doesn’t require offensive touches to be impactful. Should the Hornets resort to a patient development model, Moody could blossom into a solid rotation piece with more responsibility.
Jackson-Davis, on the other hand, is poised to be a hardworking big with a lot of rebounding upside. His athleticism and ability to run the floor make him a clean fit next to Ball. He also provides enough depth in the frontcourt to stabilize the bench.
The trade package also sees Charlotte land the 2032 first-round pick. While this pick is well and away into the future, it becomes an addition to the Hornets' overall stash of draft picks. This could be leveraged at some point in the future to make a move in a different direction.
While considering that there have been some big decisions to make in the draft this year, it will be interesting to see how the Hornets will structure their future roster-building project.
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