Warriors Exploring Trades, But Not Pushing It, With Deadline Looming

January 21, 2025

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Golden State Warriors are taking a measured approach to their roster, avoiding any panic moves while staying focused on improving the team for the stretch run.

Despite their recent struggles, Warriors leaders — Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr — have made it clear that they’re not feeling pressured to make a trade unless it’s the right move for both the present and the future.

“We’re going to do everything we can to be as competitive as possible, to put the best team around Steph as possible without mortgaging the future, and that is the right decision,” Kerr said, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

While the Warriors’ front office is still evaluating their options, Kerr emphasized that the goal is not to make a hasty move that could harm the franchise long-term.

Instead, Golden State is looking at “marginal” improvements — small moves that can elevate the roster without sacrificing its future.

With the February 6 deadline looming, the Warriors have been linked to a number of NBA veterans, including Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, who has reportedly been on their radar for weeks.

Golden State could also explore options to get out of the luxury tax if they continue to slide in the standings. As Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. continues to assess the team’s needs, all options remain on the table for the franchise in the coming weeks.

For Curry, the most important factor is that the front office is actively trying to improve the team.

“(We’re) trying to be a realistic threat in a playoff series,” Curry said. “If Mike calls and says, ‘Hey, this is an opportunity to do X, Y, Z,’ I give my opinion.”

Curry’s commitment to winning is unwavering, but he’s also realistic about the Warriors’ situation.

“My hope is that if there’s no action at the deadline, it’s not because of a lack of effort,” he continued. “If we don’t have a chance to get better, my whole thing is I want to win, and whatever that means, all efforts are pointed towards that, then I can kind of live with whatever happens.”

The Warriors’ approach reflects a balance between urgency and patience. While they are clearly focused on maintaining their playoff-contention window, they are also aware of the long-term implications of any potential trade.

With just under two weeks to go before the deadline, Golden State’s leadership remains confident that they will make the right call — whether that involves a trade or standing pat.