With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads. The loss of Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL injury on January 19 was a gut punch - not just because of what Butler brought on both ends of the floor, but because even with him, the Warriors didn’t quite look like a team ready to make a deep playoff run.
Now, the front office is staring down a critical decision: stand pat and ride out the season, or swing big and try to reshape the roster around Steph Curry while the championship window is still cracked open. Rumors have swirled for months about Golden State eyeing a blockbuster, and with the deadline looming on February 5, it’s go time.
Here are three names that have surfaced as potential trade targets - each with their own upside, baggage, and implications for the franchise’s future.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Let’s start with the big one.
Giannis has been loosely linked to Golden State for a while now, but recent reports suggest those whispers are getting louder. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the two-time MVP may be open to a change of scenery before the deadline. If that’s true, the Warriors have to at least pick up the phone.
Imagine Giannis next to Steph Curry. That’s not just a scary thought - that’s a potential juggernaut.
Curry’s gravity opens up the floor in ways few players ever have, and Giannis’ downhill dominance would thrive in that space. It’s a pairing that could instantly vault the Warriors back into the title conversation.
But this kind of deal doesn’t come cheap. To make it happen, Golden State would likely have to part with Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and a hefty package of draft picks.
That’s a steep price - you're talking about giving up a rising star, a defensive anchor, and a chunk of your future. But for a player averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a ridiculous 64.5% shooting?
It might just be worth it.
2. Naji Marshall
If the Warriors don’t go big, they could look for a more under-the-radar addition - someone who can help now without gutting the roster. Enter Naji Marshall.
The 6'6" Mavericks forward has quietly put together a strong season, averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field. He’s not a volume shooter from deep (30.4% from three), but he brings physicality, midrange touch, and defensive versatility - three things the Warriors could use right now.
Marshall’s size and switchability would help Golden State deal with the bigger wings that have given them trouble all season. And offensively, he’s a guy who can score in the paint and help create space for Curry to operate. He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of glue guy who could make a real impact in the right system.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are reportedly looking to retool around their young cornerstone, Cooper Flagg, which could make Marshall available. If the price is right, this could be a savvy move.
3. Michael Porter Jr.
Then there’s Michael Porter Jr., who’s having a bit of a renaissance since leaving Denver in the offseason.
The 6'10" forward is putting up 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and nearly 40% from three on 9.6 attempts per night. That’s elite volume and efficiency - and it fits perfectly into the Warriors’ offensive DNA.
Porter gives Golden State something they desperately need: a secondary scorer who can stretch the floor and take some of the pressure off Curry. With Butler out, the scoring load has tilted heavily toward Steph, and while he’s still capable of carrying it, the wear and tear adds up. MPJ would slot in as a high-octane wing who can get buckets in bunches and open up the floor for everyone else.
Of course, Porter’s injury history is always a concern, and his defensive consistency can fluctuate. But in terms of fit and offensive firepower, he checks a lot of boxes.
The Bottom Line
The Warriors are in a delicate spot. They’ve got a generational talent in Steph Curry who’s still playing at an elite level, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent, and Butler’s injury only widened the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
A move for Giannis would be seismic - a full-on gamble for another title run. Marshall is a more modest play, but one that could pay off in terms of depth and defense. And Porter Jr. offers a high-ceiling offensive boost without the sticker shock of a superstar deal.
Whichever direction they go, one thing is clear: the Warriors can’t afford to sit still. The clock is ticking, and this deadline might be their last real shot to reshape the roster while Curry is still in his prime.