The Golden State Warriors have an interesting offseason ahead of them, and no one outside of Stephen Curry should be considered untouchable.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors will be swirling all summer in connection to Curry and the Dubs, that’s not a highly likely outcome.
The most predictable outcome for Golden State’s offseason is that they’ll add along the margins and double down on the Curry-Jimmy Butler-Draymond Green core.
In that regard, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested the Warriors enter into trade talks with the Chicago Bulls.
“The Chicago Bulls had an intriguing close to the 2024-25 campaign, going 15-5 over the last 20 games and seeing plenty of upside from Coby White, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis,” Bailey wrote.
“One reasonable reaction to the finish could be adding some veteran talent in an effort to get closer to a top-six finish, but doubling down on the younger core is the better course.”
Bailey then proposed the trade.
“Nikola Vučević, the No. 45 pick and a 2028 second-round pick for Moses Moody and Buddy Hield,” Bailey wrote.
“Chicago should sign up to pay the second contract of Moses Moody, which is plenty reasonable (it tops out at $13.4 million in 2027-28) and is attached to a player who just turned 23,” Bailey continued.
“The upside for lineups with Moody, Buzelis and White is certainly higher than any with Nikola Vučević or Lonzo Ball. And with some of the young players already on the roster seemingly ahead of schedule, Chicago is in a solid position to take swings at upside.”
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“For the Golden State Warriors, this is a bit of a desperation move, since Vučević is 34 and on an expiring contract. His long-term value is nowhere near Moody’s (hence, Chicago’s inclusion of some draft capital).”
“But they were woefully thin at the 5 in 2024-25. And even at this age, Vuč is a starting center who can pass, space the floor and fit into Golden State’s read-and-react system.”
So … Vučević to the Dubs?
While this trade idea is interesting, it’s ultimately a bad proposal for the Warriors. Golden State isn’t quite good enough to contend as constructed, sure, but they are only getting older.
If the goal is to go for one more big swing in 2025-26 and then crash out, acquiring an expiring vet like Vooch would be a defensible move. But there’s reason to believe that Curry has more than one good year left, and Butler’s comments following the season also hinted at his desire to play multiple more years in Golden State.
Whether it’s realistic or not, the Warriors could be working with a two- or three-year window before Curry retires or severely declines.
Hanging onto wings like Hield and Moody is the best decision for Golden State’s present (and post-Curry future) unless they receive an offer involving a bona fide star.
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