The Golden State Warriors will undoubtedly be hungry to reposition themselves for another championship after a Stephen Curry injury cost them an opportunity at a title run this season. However, it is important not to get too aggressive.
The Warriors looked like one of the best teams in the league following the 2025 NBA trade deadline. Post All-Star break, Golden State held the 7th offensive rating in the league (118.4) and the top defensive rating in basketball (109.3).
Trading for Jimmy Butler quickly looked like the right move for the Warriors. Now, it is important to build on that momentum without going overboard.
Feb 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Feb 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Warriors should avoid one specific 'dream trade target' at all costs
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report aimed to identify three 'dream trade targets' for the Warriors this offseason. Who was at the top of that list? It was Domantas Sabonis.
Swartz wrote, "Sabonis would be the perfect third star for the Golden State Warriors, even if it meant trading Draymond Green in order to get him."
The NBA writer added, "The 29-year-old has led the NBA in rebounding for three years in a row, is the league's second-best passing big man after Nikola Jokic and shot 41.7 percent from three this season. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Sabonis would give head coach Steve Kerr a ton of offensive options."
While it is true Sabonis would bolster the Warriors offense, there are several reasons this potential trade could quickly backfire for Golden State.
The elephant in the room being ignored is just how much giving up Green for Sabonis would set the Warriors defense back. A team who built their identity this past season on being a strong defensive unit would immediately lose that.
Furthermore, Sabonis is still owed over $140 million over the next three years of his current contract. That kind of financial commitment would destroy the Warriors' flexibility, especially considering how much Curry and Butler are already paid.
The other two names on Swartz's list, Derrick White and Coby White, are much more intriguing potential fits. However, Sabonis misses the mark entirely and threatens the present and future of the Warriors significantly.