The Golden State Warriors are in a make-or-break situation heading into the 2024-25 season, and after digging deep into their roster moves, trade rumors, and what they need to make a serious run, we’ve come up with five realistic trade ideas. Sure, there’s a lot of talk about getting Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram, but after looking at the options and crunching the numbers, we’ve found a few deals that could fly under the radar and still make a huge impact.

These trades don’t blow up their future but give Steph Curry the help he needs now to keep the team competitive. We’ve looked at everything from roster fits to cap space, and these moves could be just what Golden State needs to stay in the mix for another championship.

1. Bennedict Mathurin

Warriors receive: Bennedict Mathurin

Pacers receive: Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick

Bennedict Mathurin has shown a lot of potential during his time with the Indiana Pacers, but his 2023-24 season hit a rough patch. Mathurin averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 59 games. His shooting improved from his rookie year, with a solid 44.6% field goal percentage and 37.4% from three. Still, his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, slowing his development. Luckily, reports suggest Mathurin is on track for a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season, but his injury could have the Pacers considering moves that better align with their future plans.

For the Pacers, the 2023-24 season was a huge success—they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, surprising a lot of people. Despite Mathurin’s setback, their depth and improvement across the board were enough to push them deep into the playoffs. With young stars like Tyrese Haliburton, the re-signed Pascal Siakam, and a solid supporting cast, the Pacers may see an opportunity to cash in on Mathurin’s value and add even more future assets. Trading Mathurin for two promising players in Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, plus a future first-rounder, would give Indiana more flexibility to continue building around their core.

On the Warriors’ side, Mathurin would bring a young, athletic scoring option that fits right into their fast-paced, perimeter-heavy offense. He’s still only 22 years old, and pairing him with Stephen Curry could unlock new levels to his game. Mathurin’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, while also being a threat to drive, makes him an ideal fit in Golden State’s system. Plus, the Warriors could use some fresh legs to take the load off Curry as they navigate the later stages of his career.

While the deal might feel like a gamble for both sides, it’s a smart one. The Pacers get more depth and future flexibility while the Warriors get a young player who can contribute now and be part of their future. For a team trying to balance contending with planning for life after Curry, this trade checks a lot of boxes.

2. Dillon Brooks

Warriors receive: Dillon Brooks

Rockets receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick

This potential trade has some spice to it, especially considering Dillon Brooks’ history with the Warriors. Let’s face it—Brooks has made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it comes to Golden State, particularly with his verbal jabs at players like Draymond Green and his general tendency to stir the pot. But, if there’s one thing Brooks brings to the table, it’s defense, and the Warriors are in serious need of that with Klay Thompson on the Dallas Mavericks. Brooks averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season, and love him or hate him, he can guard the best players on any given night.

Now, the Rockets are in a different phase of their development. They’ve got a lot of young talent with players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, but they’re missing veteran leadership. Andrew Wiggins, despite having a down year in 2023-24 (with 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists), is the kind of player who’s been through the trenches. He played a key role in the Warriors’ 2022 title run and could help guide Houston’s young core both on and off the court. Plus, adding a future first-round pick and Moses Moody sweetens the deal for the Rockets, giving them a promising wing to further develop and more draft capital.

For Golden State, Brooks’ controversial persona might raise some eyebrows—after all, his past run-ins with the team haven’t exactly made him a fan favorite in the Bay Area. But it’s hard to ignore the fact that he would immediately improve the Warriors’ defense, especially in the backcourt. With Thompson gone, that once-fearsome defensive duo of him and Curry is no more, and the Warriors need someone who can step in and take on those big defensive assignments. Brooks may not be the easiest player to root for, but he gets under the skin of opponents and plays with a toughness that the Warriors could benefit from.

Brooks heading to the Warriors might seem odd, especially given the bad blood, but sometimes it’s the most unlikely moves that end up working out. Brooks brings grit, defensive tenacity, and an edge that the Warriors could use more of. And while his antics have gotten him into trouble in the past, being under the leadership of Curry and Green could help reign him in, turning his aggressive nature into a weapon the Warriors can actually use.

This trade isn’t about star power—it’s about fit. The Warriors need defense and toughness, especially with the loss of Thompson, and the Rockets need veterans and future assets to continue growing. Both teams get what they need in this deal, even if it means swallowing a little pride along the way.

3. Marcus Smart

Warriors receive: Marcus Smart

Grizzlies receive: Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II

Marcus Smart’s first season with the Memphis Grizzlies was, to put it mildly, a bit rough. The Grizzlies had high hopes when they traded for Smart, seeing him as a defensive anchor and a great complement to Ja Morant. But injuries hit the team hard. Smart himself dealt with a series of injuries, including a finger injury and a foot sprain, which caused him to miss significant time. Combine that with Ja Morant’s own season-ending injury, and Memphis found itself out of the playoff picture, finishing well below expectations.

Given how the Grizzlies struggled in 2023-24, there’s been speculation that Smart, despite being a leader and crucial defender, could be available for the right trade. With Derrick Rose already cut from the team, the Grizzlies might be looking to get younger and possibly shake things up a bit more. In this scenario, the Warriors could swoop in with a package that includes Gary Payton II, who shares similar defensive skills to Smart, as well as Kevon Looney, a reliable veteran center that the Grizzlies could really use, especially since Zach Edey might not be ready for the NBA.

Smart averaged 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 20 games, and although his scoring numbers were never off the charts, his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions made him invaluable. He’s the kind of player who can take on tough defensive assignments every night and brings that hustle-and-heart mentality. For the Warriors, losing Klay Thompson’s defense after his move to Dallas means they’re in dire need of someone to fill that gap. Smart could do just that—he’s a proven winner and would fit right into Golden State’s defensive schemes.

For Memphis, getting Looney gives them a steady, experienced big man who excels in rebounding and defense. Moses Moody, still young, has the potential to grow into a solid wing player, and Gary Payton II gives them a guard who can bring a similar defensive presence to Smart, but with younger legs. The Grizzlies, who are likely looking to retool around their core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, could find this mix of youth and veteran presence appealing as they look to bounce back in 2024-25.

Ultimately, this trade could work out for both sides. The Warriors get a fierce defender in Smart to shore up their backcourt, and the Grizzlies get a blend of youth and reliable veterans to help balance their roster as they figure out the future of their team.

4. Jarrett Allen

Warriors receive: Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade

Cavaliers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, 2028 First-Round Pick

Jarrett Allen has been a critical part of the Cavaliers’ success on defense, anchoring the paint with his shot-blocking and rebounding. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. However, the Cavaliers made some significant offseason moves, including signing Donovan Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension, signaling they’re looking to solidify their core for the future. With new head coach Kenny Atkinson now in charge, the Cavaliers could be rethinking how to best utilize Evan Mobley, who many see as the centerpiece of their future. If the team wants to focus more on Mobley’s offensive development, Allen could become a valuable trade piece.

The Cavaliers had a solid 2023-24 season, but they were bounced in the second round of the playoffs, raising questions about how their roster could be better balanced. Trading Allen would allow Mobley to take on a larger role in the frontcourt. In return, the Cavaliers would get Andrew Wiggins, a proven two-way player who can defend multiple positions and add scoring alongside Mitchell and Garland. Wiggins, though he had a bit of a down year with the Warriors, is still capable of playing a big role. Adding Gary Payton II would boost their perimeter defense, as his ability to defend guards and wings would help cover the defensive hole left by Allen’s departure.

For the Warriors, this trade would be a game-changer. They’ve been lacking a true center for years, relying heavily on Kevon Looney, who is solid but doesn’t bring the same versatility as Allen. Allen’s shot-blocking and ability to finish around the rim would complement the Warriors’ fast-paced offense, especially in pick-and-roll situations with Curry. His presence would also solidify their interior defense, an area where the Warriors have been vulnerable. Dean Wade, meanwhile, would give the Warriors added depth in the frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor.

It’s worth noting that the Cavaliers can’t trade Allen until January 31, 2025, due to his recent extension. This gives the team time to evaluate how he fits alongside Mobley under Atkinson’s system. But if the Warriors are patient, this trade could be a perfect fit for both teams. The Cavaliers would gain valuable veteran experience in Wiggins and Payton while freeing up Mobley to grow offensively, and the Warriors would get the center they’ve long needed to make another championship push.

5. Myles Turner

Warriors receive: Myles Turner

Pacers receive: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Andrew Wiggins, 2028 First-Round Pick

Myles Turner has been a force on defense for the Pacers for years now, and the 2023-24 season was no different. He put up solid numbers, averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Turner’s ability to protect the rim while also spacing the floor with his three-point shooting (35.8% from deep) makes him an ideal target for a team like the Warriors, who desperately need a versatile big man. His contract, however, is set to expire after the 2024-25 season, which could make Indiana more willing to part ways with him if they can get good value in return.

The Warriors have long been searching for a center who can do more than just rebound and defend. While Kevon Looney has been rock-solid for them, Turner’s skillset is a huge upgrade. He offers elite rim protection, which is something the Warriors have been missing, and his ability to hit threes gives them an offensive weapon that fits perfectly with their system. Imagine Curry running pick-and-rolls with Turner, pulling defenders away from the rim and creating more space for the Warriors’ shooters.

For the Pacers, this trade helps them build for the future. Trayce Jackson-Davis hasn’t had much of a chance to show what he can do with the Warriors, but he’s a promising young big man with a versatile game. His ability to score inside, rebound, and defend could make him a long-term piece for Indiana. Plus, adding Andrew Wiggins brings championship experience and a reliable two-way player who can score and defend at a high level. He could be a perfect complement to Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin as the Pacers look to stay competitive while also focusing on their youth movement.

On top of that, the Pacers get a valuable first-round pick in 2028, which adds another asset to their growing pile of future draft capital. With Turner’s contract expiring, the Pacers might want to make this move sooner rather than later, especially if they feel that building around their younger core is the way to go. For the Warriors, this is a win-now move that helps them stay in the championship conversation while addressing their most glaring need: a reliable, shot-blocking center who can also contribute offensively.

Both teams get exactly what they need in this deal. The Warriors get a center who fits perfectly into their system, while the Pacers add youth, veteran experience, and future assets to keep their rebuild on track.