The Golden State Warriors entered the offseason as one of the potential destinations for LeBron James and were also expected to explore other major moves that could give Stephen Curry another opportunity to compete for a championship.
So far, however, Golden State has failed to land James or add another superstar-level player.
The Warriors' quiet offseason has generated speculation about whether Curry and the organization remain fully aligned, particularly as the franchise has struggled to build another title-contending roster around the four-time NBA champion.
There has been no concrete indication that Curry wants to leave Golden State. Nevertheless, one Eastern Conference powerhouse has already been floated as a possible destination should the Warriors ever consider moving their franchise icon.
Celtics floated as potential Curry destination
Sports Illustrated Celtics beat writer John Karalis believes Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens would immediately contact the Warriors if Curry became available.
"There's no doubt Brad Stevens has already been on the phone with the Warriors brass to pitch a deal if they want one," Karalis wrote.
"I think the current CBA demands cold-hearted decision-making, and trading Curry would be as cold as it gets. It would also be smart to get some assets for him while they can. Boston has some, and a path to making a decent deal for both sides."
Potential Celtics trade package for Curry
Stephen Curry
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Karalis also constructed a hypothetical package Boston could offer for the two-time NBA MVP.
His proposal would send Paul George, Sam Hauser, and significant draft compensation acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers to Golden State.
"My trade package is going to be George, the picks acquired from Philadelphia, and Sam Hauser for Curry," Karalis wrote.
"The picks are valuable for a team resetting itself. I think Boston might try to get away with keeping one, maybe giving up one of their own so they can keep the 2031 unprotected Sixers pick. But ultimately, I'm cool with giving up both."
Karalis argued that the draft assets could give the Warriors a strong foundation for a potential rebuild once Curry's time in Golden State comes to an end.
"The 2028 pick, as convoluted as it is, is valuable, and getting two potentially high lottery picks in exchange for the final few years of Curry is a really good return," he explained.
"George is in it for salary matching, and Hauser's inclusion helps give them someone currently valuable so they're not tanking too hard in this new lottery reform era. Also, including Hauser allows Boston to stay under the tax."
Obstacles to a potential deal
Karalis noted that the proposed trade could not be completed immediately because George's salary cannot be aggregated with another contract until September 6.
Boston would also need to be confident that at least two of Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, and Jordan Walsh were ready to take on larger roles following Hauser's departure.
"Two things have to happen for this trade to work," Karalis wrote. "They'd have to wait until September 6 to make the trade because Paul George's salary can't be aggregated with anyone else's for 60 days.
"And they'd have to be pretty confident that Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, or Jordan Walsh — and most likely two of the three — would be ready to fill a major role on the wing."
Karalis added that George would not be expected to contribute consistently, meaning Boston's younger wings would need to replace some of the production lost by including Hauser in the deal.
"George isn't expected to play much, but he should produce some decent numbers when he does," he wrote. "Curry obviously makes up for that production and more, but one of those three young Celtics would have to make up for the Hauser production somehow."
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