Though the 2024-25 NBA season is still young, the rumor mill never stopped buzzing. Over the offseason, numerous major happened around the NBA world. Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks, and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose retired from basketball. However, despite the offseason being over, many continue to speculate what the next major move around the league will be. While nothing is official, fans may have a better idea of what could happen. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Golden State Warriors are the most likely team in the NBA to make a blockbuster trade.
“The Warriors are the biggest candidate in my mind to make a big trade. They tried to trade for LeBron James last trade deadline… This is a team that’s got an itchy trigger finger trying to make a big deal.”
– Brian Windhorst 👀pic.twitter.com/0wYql9bYW4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 7, 2024
“The Warriors are the biggest candidate in my mind to make a big trade. They tried to trade for LeBron James last trade deadline…then they tried to trade for Paul George. Then they tried to trade for Lauri Markkanen. This is a team that’s got an itchy trigger finger trying to make a big deal,” Windhorst said.
Brian Windhorst Reveals the Golden State Warriors Want to Make a Major Trade
Potential Golden State Warriors Trade Targets
While on First Take, Windhorst made it clear that there is not one particular target the Warriors are pursuing. However, per past reports, two popular names that have come up in the past include Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Last month, NBA insider Marc Stein named both stars as candidates for the next blockbuster NBA trade. Butler has two years remaining on his three-year, $146.4 million contract. However, this includes a $52.4 million player option for next season. While nothing is known for certain, there is a legitimate possibility Butler will decline his option and test free agency.
As for Antetokounmpo, former NBA executive Bobby Marks recently reported that Milwaukee is unlikely to trade him any time soon.
“Any time a team like that is struggling, there’s certainly going to be questions about the future of Giannis. He is not looking to be moved. Milwaukee is not looking to move him. They’re looking to try to figure out kind of what went wrong with this roster to start the season here. So, I think we can put away the fictional Giannis trade proposals for right now. There’s no concern from that front.”
Regardless, both players would fit in well in Golden State. It seems unlikely at this point, but a trade down the line seems like a possibility.
The Last Word
Despite losing Thompson this past offseason, the Warriors have not skipped a beat. They are currently 7-1, tied with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the Western Conference. It is unclear how sustainable Golden State’s start is, but there is no denying how well they are playing. They currently rank as the third-best offensive team and the second-best defensive team. Furthermore, their +15.8 net rating is the best in the league. They may appear in numerous trade rumors, but for now, the Warriors should be happy with how their current team is playing.
