The Golden State Warriors have recently expressed interest in players like Lauri Markkanen and Paul George, both of whom could have provided crucial support to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in their pursuit of another championship. While neither deal came to fruition, the Warriors still have valuable assets that could be used to acquire a top-tier player if the opportunity arises.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report has proposed an intriguing trade scenario for the Warriors, suggesting a deal that would bring Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers to Golden State.
Proposed Trade:
- Warriors receive: Kawhi Leonard
- Clippers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (protected 1-3 and 21-30), 2029 first-round pick swap
“If the Warriors were comfortable offering Paul George a four-year, $212 million extension, they should be equally at ease paying the remaining $150 million on Kawhi Leonard’s contract,” Hughes wrote on August 14. “In fact, they might be more inclined, considering Golden State needs to make moves that maximize their chances during the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry—even if those moves come with significant risks.”
Hughes argues that for the Warriors to re-enter serious championship contention, they need a true second star to complement Curry. Leonard, who played 68 games last season and outperformed Curry in both Estimated Plus/Minus and Estimated Wins, could be that player. On some nights, Hughes suggests, Leonard could even be the Warriors’ best player, regardless of whether Curry is on the court.
Warriors Could Land Leonard Without Trading Kuminga and Podziemski
During trade discussions for Markkanen, the Warriors made it clear they were not willing to part with Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. According to Kendra Andrews of ESPN, Golden State is keen on retaining these younger players unless a trade significantly enhances the team’s long-term prospects.
“The Warriors place high value on their younger assets, including Podziemski and fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga,” Andrews reported on August 8. “Any trade involving either player would need to provide more long-term benefits than they could offer themselves.”
At just 27 years old, Markkanen would have been a piece that could help the Warriors both now and in the future. However, the proposed trade for Leonard focuses more on short-term success. Leonard, at 33, is nearing the end of his prime and has a history of injuries.
Still, the fact that Podziemski and Kuminga wouldn’t be included in the Leonard trade could make it an attractive option for the Warriors, especially if they are looking to maximize Curry’s remaining years at the top.
How Leonard Could Impact the Warriors
Kawhi Leonard is one of the most accomplished players of his generation. A six-time All-Star, seven-time All-Defensive team selection, two-time champion and Finals MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard’s accolades speak for themselves.
However, his injury history remains a concern. Leonard played 68 games in the 2023-24 season, the most since 2016-17, but only appeared in two playoff games due to knee swelling.
With Curry now 36 years old, trading for an injury-prone star like Leonard would be a significant gamble for the Warriors. Despite the risks, Leonard’s numbers from last season—23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game—show that he remains an elite player when healthy. If he can stay on the court, Leonard could be the piece that pushes the Warriors back into championship contention.
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