A trade is not considered imminent, but the idea is no longer unthinkable. After missing out on LeBron James this offseason, Golden State finds itself weighing very different paths forward, from filling out the roster with bargain signings to entertaining a Kevin Durant reunion to fending off speculation that a rival team could eventually pry Stephen Curry away.
Why are the Warriors looking at minimum contract players
Golden State came up empty in its pursuit of James, who instead signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. That left the Warriors with three open roster spots and roughly $8 million to spend before hitting their hard cap. With that limited flexibility, the front office has shifted its attention to minimum contract options who could round out the roster around Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Who are the Warriors considering for depth
Four names have emerged as realistic targets. Kelly Olynyk, a familiar name to Golden State after being linked to the team for the past two to three years, is viewed as a possible floor spacing big man on a minimum deal, even after a limited role in San Antonio last season.
Brandon Williams, a free agent guard who played well for the Dallas Mavericks, has also drawn interest as the Warriors look to add backcourt depth. Gabe Vincent, who split last season between the Lakers and Hawks, rounds out the guard options being tracked. Gary Payton II remains the most familiar face of the group, with mutual interest still existing between the veteran defender and the franchise for a potential return in a bench role.
Is a Kevin Durant reunion actually possible
It has not been ruled out. Despite Durant rejecting a Warriors return before the 2025 trade deadline while he was with the Phoenix Suns, reporting suggests Golden State has not fully moved past the idea of bringing him back. Owner Joe Lacob is said to remain open to welcoming Durant back, much as the organization was prepared to do before Durant and his business partner halted that earlier deal.
Durant’s hesitation at the time reportedly stemmed from wanting stability in Phoenix rather than any lingering tension with his former team, and sources have indicated no friction exists between Durant and figures like Draymond Green or head coach Steve Kerr.
What would it take to bring Durant back now
Durant is currently under contract with the Houston Rockets, so Golden State would need Houston to make him available and then build a trade package competitive enough against other suitors. Houston has reportedly turned away past inquiries about moving Durant, and Golden State would still need his approval given his earlier reluctance to relocate mid-season. The Warriors previously had the framework of a reunion in place before Durant’s hesitation derailed it, showing the idea has real, if complicated, footing.
Could Curry actually end up with the Celtics
That scenario remains speculative for now. With the 76ers strengthened by adding both Jaylen Brown in an earlier trade and James in free agency, some have floated Boston as a potential landing spot for Curry if Golden State ever decided to pivot away from a win now approach.
Report suggest Celtics president Brad Stevens has already explored what a deal could look like, potentially involving Payton Pritchard, Paul George and additional draft compensation. Curry, who averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds last season, would represent a short term boost for a team looking to close the gap with Philadelphia.
What is the most likely outcome
Golden State is not expected to move on from Curry easily, given his standing as the greatest player in franchise history. But with the roster picture unsettled and Curry entering the later stage of his career, the Warriors appear to be keeping every option open, from cheap depth signings to a blockbuster reunion to, if circumstances shifted dramatically, a trade that would send Curry to a contender of his choosing.
