Warriors Predicted to Target Two NBA Superstars at Trade Deadline

The Golden State Warriors are linked to two of the NBA's biggest superstars

Dec 13, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives for the basket around Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

At last season's NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors made it clear that they wanted to add some star power. After Kevin Durant turned down a trade to return to Golden State, the franchise shifted its focus to six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Warriors ultimately acquired Butler to build a star trio of him alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and the new-look Warriors looked to be building something special until the future Hall of Fame point guard went down with an injury in the second round of the playoffs.

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) meet after a play against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Now, the Warriors are gearing up for the 2025-26 season, but could have a similar mindset at next year's trade deadline.

Warriors' 2026 trade deadline plans

The Warriors had a poor start to their 2024-25 season, which led to them feeling some pressure to make a big splash at the trade deadline. It would be a huge disappointment if the Warriors had a similar start to their 2025-26 campaign, but if they still feel like they are one piece away from title contention, we could see another busy trade deadline.

ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel recently brought up NBA superstars LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo as trade targets for the Warriors if they are able to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga on a tradeable contract.

"This idea of the Warriors wanting to trade Kuminga after bringing him back on a new deal has been prevalent and has continued to lead to speculation of who the franchise would target. Having Kuminga on a cap figure north of $20 million is highly advantageous to the organization, and it gives the Dubs plenty of options to explore before the trade deadline," Siegel wrote.

"Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are obviously the Warriors' two dream targets, yet other names have been reported as well."

March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts toward Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Warriors targeting a superstar of this caliber would not be much of a surprise, as Golden State's front office seems to always be looking for extra star power, but it would undoubtedly send the NBA into a frenzy to see Steph Curry get one of them as a teammate.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James already has an uncertain future with the franchise, so him requesting a trade during the 2025-26 season would not be too shocking. If James were to request a trade, the Warriors would be an expected top destination for him.

LeBron James still wants to win another championship and is closely monitoring the Lakers’ moves, per @mcten

“I'm told that the statement that Rich Paul gave to Shams Charania back in June when LeBron opted in still stands, that LeBron and his representatives will be monitoring… pic.twitter.com/HafMwj2kWg

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2025

There have also been some questions around Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks, and how committed he is to the franchise that has seen minimal success since their 2021 championship. Either of the superstars would create an ultimate duo alongside Curry, and likely take the Warriors back into title contention.