The Golden State Warriors have started the young season 4-1, putting them among the league’s top performers. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler all playing well and described as appearing to be “beating Father Time,” the team looks ready to compete at a high level. Their strong start has fueled trade discussions even though they currently appear to be in a good position.
- The Warriors are 4-1 and performing strongly with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
- Reports link Golden State to Joel Embiid, but his $55.2 million salary and recent injury history complicate any deal.
- A proposed Derrick White trade involves Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and a 2032 first-round pick.
Warriors Linked to Multiple Star Names
Early-season success has not stopped speculation. The Warriors have been linked in rumors to Lauri Markkanen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even Klay Thompson. The team has enough draft picks to “land a reasonable star,” according to reports, which has contributed to the growing speculation.
Golden State also has roster concerns despite adding Al Horford in the summer. They currently rank 23rd in rebounds per game, 24th in blocks, and allow the ninth-most points in the paint per game. Reports point to rebounding and rim protection as areas of need, which has sparked discussion about adding a strong interior presence.
Joel Embiid Rumor and Trade Factors
One name connected to the Warriors is Joel Embiid. When healthy, Embiid is described as “one of the very best players in the NBA,” elite on both ends, and capable of solving Golden State’s issues. However, he “hasn’t been healthy since early 2024.”
Tyler Rourke of The Sporting News wrote that due to the roster looking different and age factors, the Warriors “may need a center with a bigger presence,” and Embiid “may be the perfect option for the Dubs” as he eases back into his role with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, salary and roster costs are significant obstacles. Embiid will earn $55.2 million this season, with additional compensation to follow. The only way Golden State could match that salary figure is by including both Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga in a trade package. Losing Green “would be a tough pill for the Dubs to swallow,” creating a difficult decision for the organization.
The situation has two clear outcomes:
- If Embiid gets healthy before the deadline, the Sixers would have “very real title chances,” meaning they likely would not trade him for Green, Kuminga, and Moses Moody.
- If he does not get healthy, Golden State will not trade its players.
The evaluation concludes that Embiid currently has the same limitations as Horford and makes $48 million more per season, and that pursuing him “wouldn’t be a smart move” right now. The notion ends with, “Maybe we can come back to this in a few months.”
Austin Reaves’ Performance Sparks Separate Lakers Rumor
In a separate development, Austin Reaves had 28 points and 16 assists in a 116–115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This performance has shifted the narrative around the Los Angeles Lakers and led to speculation involving LeBron James and Bronny James.
FanDuel Sportsbook presented a scenario where the Lakers would trade LeBron James and Bronny to the Cleveland Cavaliers for:
- Darius Garland
- De’Andre Hunter
- 2030 first-round pick
That scenario positions the Cavaliers with “their former GOAT back” and the Lakers turning a core built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Derrick White Trade Speculation for Golden State
Another rumor connects Golden State to Derrick White. Curry has been linked in past speculation with LeBron James, but this recent rumor suggests White may be a better fit. White is described as a “sparkplug” for the Boston Celtics’ offense and is expected to step up with Jayson Tatum out for the rest of the season.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested Golden State could acquire White, calling him “one of the best multi-positional defenders and arguably the best shot-blocking guard since Dwyane Wade.”
Proposed Trade Package (Fadeaway World)
Warriors receive:
- Derrick White
Celtics receive:
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Brandin Podziemski
- 2032 first-round pick
Kuminga is averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while Podziemski is averaging 12.2 points and shooting more than 42% from three. Both players have “played well early in the season.”
White brings defense, playmaking, and championship experience. He is averaging 16.5 points, shooting 32.9%, and recording 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
Reports state this move would help Golden State make a push, but also say Boston might be reluctant to let go of White, viewing him as one of the most important pieces with Jaylen Brown and Tatum. Analysts say trading him would require Golden State to give up “one of the players from the starting five.”
It is also stated that Curry was paired in trade speculation with Giannis Antetokounmpo in a SWN report earlier this month.
