Mike Dunleavy Jr. is saying all the right things publicly - but if you're reading between the lines, it’s hard to believe the Warriors are done dealing.
Ahead of Golden State’s recent win over the Orlando Magic, the Warriors’ general manager made it clear he’s not expecting another blockbuster trade. Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area, Dunleavy downplayed the likelihood of a major move, saying, *“We’ll look to do stuff that makes our team better.
But I wouldn’t bank on that type of move. To get a guy like Jimmy Butler, to have the improvement that we did … that'd be pretty unrealistic.”
Now, on the surface, that sounds like a GM managing expectations. But let’s be honest - it’s also the kind of thing you say when you’re trying to keep your cards close to the vest.
The Warriors may not be swinging for another superstar like Butler, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing pat. In fact, all signs point to Golden State being active before the trade deadline.
Let’s start with the roster. Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the team is anything but certain.
While he’s shown flashes of promise, his role has been inconsistent, and his name continues to surface in trade chatter. Add in Buddy Hield - who’s recently fallen out of Steve Kerr’s rotation - and you’re looking at over $30 million in salary that could be moved.
That’s not just cap filler. That’s the kind of money that can bring back a real contributor.
And there’s more. Golden State has reportedly had eyes on Trey Murphy III since the offseason.
That kind of move wouldn’t come cheap - we’re talking multiple first-round picks - but it’s the type of trade that could reshape the roster and inject some much-needed youth and shooting. And while it’s a long shot, the Warriors have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo as well.
That’s the nuclear option, of course, but the connection is out there, and with the Bucks facing their own questions about the future, nothing’s entirely off the table.
Even if it’s not Murphy or Giannis, there’s no shortage of potential targets. The Warriors have assets, they have salaries to match, and most importantly, they have urgency.
At 15-15, this is a team stuck in the middle - not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend. And with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level, wasting another year of his prime isn’t an option.
Dunleavy is right about one thing: internal improvement matters. Klay Thompson finding his rhythm, Andrew Wiggins rediscovering his 2022 form, and young players like Moses Moody stepping up - all of that could raise the Warriors’ ceiling.
But let’s not kid ourselves. This roster, as currently constructed, isn’t built to make a deep playoff run.
Not in a loaded Western Conference.
So while Dunleavy is preaching patience publicly, behind the scenes, the Warriors are very much in play. Whether it’s a significant rotation upgrade or a full-on splash, expect Golden State to be active before the trade deadline. Because for a franchise that measures success in championships, standing still just isn’t in the DNA.