5 Trades That Could Shake Up The Golden State Warriors And Keep Their Championship Hopes Alive

The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2024-25 season with high expectations, but if things don't go according to plan early on, they might need to explore the trade market to stay competitive. With a mix of veteran stars and young talent, the Warriors have the pieces to make a significant move if necessary. Whether it's adding another All-Star or reconfiguring the roster to better suit their needs, Golden State shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on a big deal if it means keeping their championship window open. In this article, we’ll look at five trades that could potentially shake up the Warriors’ season and put them back on the path to glory.

Anfernee Simons Could Be The Scorer They Need

Warriors receive: Anfernee Simons

Blazers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round pick

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a rebuild mode, focusing on developing their young stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. With that focus, Anfernee Simons , who averaged 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 46 games last season, has emerged as a prime trade candidate . Simons, while talented, might not fit the long-term plans in Portland, making him a valuable asset for other teams.

The Golden State Warriors could be an ideal landing spot for Simons, especially if they need a scoring boost early in the season. His ability to create shots and space the floor would fit seamlessly into the Warriors' offensive system. Pairing Simons with Steph Curry could relieve some of the pressure on Curry, allowing him to operate more efficiently off the ball.

In return, the Blazers would receive Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, along with a 2026 first-round pick. Wiggins, who averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 71 games last season, offers Portland a strong two-way player who can defend and score when needed. Payton II, who put up 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 44 games, brings defensive tenacity and familiarity with Portland’s system, having previously played for the team.

This trade would benefit both teams—Golden State gets a dynamic scorer in Simons, while Portland acquires a mix of veteran presence and future assets to aid in their rebuild. If the Warriors find themselves struggling to score, pulling the trigger on this trade could be the key to keeping their championship hopes alive.

Brandon Ingram Is An Ideal Trade Target

Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram

Pelicans receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga

Brandon Ingram’s name has been swirling in trade rumors all summer, especially as the New Orleans Pelicans look to navigate their roster and financial future. Ingram, a 26-year-old All-Star, averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season, showing once again that he’s one of the most versatile forwards in the league. However, with Ingram entering the final year of his contract, which pays him $36 million, the Pelicans are faced with a tough decision. He’s eligible for a massive four-year, $208 million extension, but New Orleans might be hesitant to commit to that, particularly with Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum already commanding substantial salaries.

The situation is further complicated by the Pelicans’ recent acquisition of Dejounte Murray in an offseason trade, signaling their desire to build around a different core. With Murray now in the mix, the Pelicans might view Ingram as expendable, especially if they can get valuable pieces in return that align better with their long-term vision. Ingram was heavily linked to trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings earlier this summer, indicating that the Pelicans are open to moving him if the right offer comes along.

For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring a player like Ingram could be a game-changer. Andrew Wiggins, while an integral part of their recent success, hasn’t quite returned to his peak form. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga, who averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the 2023-24 season, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. The Warriors are reportedly hesitant about giving Kuminga the extension he might demand, with some speculating he could seek a contract in the range of $30 million annually—an amount that might not align with his current contributions.

This trade would not only solve a potential financial headache for the Warriors but also inject their lineup with a player who can score, facilitate, and defend at a high level. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and his playmaking skills would perfectly complement Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ motion offense. Moreover, his presence could help bridge the gap between the veteran core and the younger players, keeping Golden State in the championship conversation.

For the Pelicans, this deal provides a balanced return. Wiggins offers defensive versatility and a reliable scoring option, while Kuminga brings youth and potential. With Murray now leading the backcourt and Williamson as the focal point, Kuminga could flourish in a more prominent role in New Orleans, where he’d have the chance to grow alongside a young, dynamic team. Additionally, moving on from Ingram before his contract situation becomes a bigger issue allows the Pelicans to maintain financial flexibility, especially with Wiggins’ contract expiring soon.

Ingram’s potential departure from New Orleans isn’t just about his fit on the court—it's also about the Pelicans’ long-term financial health and strategic direction. The Warriors, on the other hand, have a window to maximize their current roster's potential, and acquiring Ingram could be the move that solidifies their place as a top contender in the West. If both teams are willing to pull the trigger, this trade could shake up the NBA landscape in a major way.

Related: 3 Most Likely Scenarios For The Golden State Warriors In 2024-25 Season

Clint Capela Could Be A Defensive Anchor In The Bay

Warriors receive: Clint Capela

Hawks receive: Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Moses Moodey

The Atlanta Hawks are clearly in a rebuilding phase, having already traded away Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans this offseason and drafting Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick. With the team shifting its focus toward developing young talent, many of their veteran players, including Clint Capela, are available in trade discussions. Capela, who is in the final year of his contract and set to earn $22 million, has been linked to several trade rumors as Atlanta looks to reshape its roster and free up future cap space.

In the eyes of the Golden State Warriors, acquiring Capela could be a significant upgrade on the defensive end. Capela is a proven rim protector and rebounder, which are areas the Warriors could improve on, especially given their struggles last season without a dominant inside presence. His ability to anchor the defense and provide second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass would be invaluable for a team that relies heavily on perimeter shooting.

In return, the Hawks would receive a package that includes Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody. While Payton and Looney are valuable role players, the centerpiece of this trade from Atlanta's perspective would be Moody. The young guard, who averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds last season, is approaching the end of his rookie deal, and the Warriors might be reluctant to commit to a sizable extension. By moving Moody now, the Warriors can avoid potential financial headaches down the road while acquiring a player in Capela who can contribute immediately.

For the Hawks, Moody could slide into the starting shooting guard spot alongside Trae Young, especially after the departure of Murray. His defensive versatility and potential as a scorer could be a good fit in Atlanta’s new-look lineup, which is increasingly focused on youth and long-term development. Meanwhile, Capela’s departure would open up more minutes for Onyeka Okongwu, a promising young big man who is ready to take on a larger role.

This trade would provide both teams with what they need: the Warriors get a defensive anchor in Capela, while the Hawks continue to stockpile young talent and maintain financial flexibility for the future.

A Surprising Trade For Dillon Brooks

Warriors receive: Dillon Brooks

Rockets receive: Andrew Wiggins

Dillon Brooks, after signing a four-year, $86 million contract with the Houston Rockets in 2023, played a key role for the team during the 2023-24 season, particularly on the defensive end. Brooks averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 72 games, continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s most aggressive perimeter defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents’ offensive flow would make him an ideal fit for the Golden State Warriors, who are looking to reinforce their defensive identity following the departure of Klay Thompson.

Brooks’ fiery demeanor and willingness to embrace the “villain” role could inject the Warriors with the kind of edge they’ve been missing. He wouldn’t just be a defensive asset; his occasional scoring could provide a boost in key moments. The Warriors, who are in a highly competitive Western Conference, would benefit from his defensive prowess, especially when facing elite scorers across the league.

For the Rockets, trading Brooks for Andrew Wiggins could be a strategic move aimed at future flexibility. Wiggins, who has two years left on his contract, offers the Rockets a shorter financial commitment, which aligns better with their long-term goals. Houston is focused on developing its young core, including players like Cam Whitmore and Jabari Smith Jr., and freeing up cap space by 2026 could allow them to extend these young talents or pursue other top-tier free agents.

Wiggins’ experience and ability to mentor younger players could also be valuable for the Rockets, a team still in the process of rebuilding. This trade would provide both teams with what they need: the Warriors would gain a tough, versatile defender in Brooks, while the Rockets would acquire a veteran presence and future financial flexibility to continue their rebuild.

Myles Turner Could Turn The Warriors Season Around

Warriors receive: Myles Turner

Pacers receive: Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 First-Round pick

Myles Turner has been a consistent name in trade rumors, especially as he enters the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. His situation is particularly compelling given the Indiana Pacers' recent success, where they made an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite their deep playoff push, the Pacers are in a tricky spot, needing to balance their current success with long-term planning. Moving Turner, who averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks last season, might be a proactive move to ensure they don’t lose him for nothing in free agency.

Turner would address critical needs of the Golden State Warriors, particularly in terms of rim protection and floor spacing. His ability to block shots and hit threes makes him a perfect fit for the Warriors' system, especially as they look to shore up their defense following Klay Thompson’s departure. Turner’s expiring contract also adds urgency for both teams; the Warriors could use his talents to make a deep playoff run, while the Pacers might prefer to gain assets now rather than risk losing him in free agency.

In exchange, the Pacers would receive a package of valuable assets, including Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and the promising young Trayce Jackson-Davis, along with a 2026 first-round pick. This trade would give Indiana the flexibility to continue building around their young core, while Golden State gains a critical piece that could turn their season around and keep them in championship contention.

Related: Ranking The Golden State Warriors' Most Valuable Trade Assets