The team may have missed out on LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there’s still a pathway to making upgrades without breaking up its beloved core. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there are ties between the squad and a pair of veteran minimum-level free agents: Georges Niang and Kelly Olynyk.

The Warriors had plans to pursue a new co-star for Curry, though that may not be known for now, but had to settle for less ambitious targets after being turned down. Fortunately, the organization managed to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green to contract extensions, securing a solid frontcourt to play alongside Steph.

By the numbers: Niang and Olynyk

Golden State must seek solutions that ensure results, especially in the paint, where the team struggled immensely last season. Still, at 33 years old, Georges Niang is not going to move the needle for Golden State, but having another veteran shooter and scorer on the floor would surely make life easier for Steph.

In 28 games last NBA season, Niang averaged 12.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 41.3% from three-point territory. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Niang provides crucial frontcourt depth that could prove decisive for the team’s success or failure this season.

If he is unavailable, the Warriors could also consider Kelly Olynyk, another veteran power forward capable of stretching the floor. In 42 games last season, Olynyk averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 49.0% shooting from the field.

Having played for eight teams over a 13-year career, he knows how to adapt to various situations and possesses extensive experience playing alongside elite talent.

The idea immediately went viral across social media, with many fans imagining Curry teaming up with Jayson Tatum in what would have been one of the most shocking moves in league history.

However, the person who sparked the discussion has now clarified what actually happened, and the reality is very different from the narrative that spread online. The Golden State Warriors never made a decision.

Will the Celtics trade for Stephen Curry?

No, the Celtics are not expected to make a blockbuster trade for Stephen Curry. After the speculation exploded, John Karalis of Sports Illustrated explained that he never reported Boston had actually contacted the Warriors about the star. That clarification significantly changes the context surrounding the story.

“I did not report that the Celtics made an offer to the Warriors. I wrote a column that said if the Warriors were open to a Steph trade that Brad would call. I thought it was pretty clear that the whole piece was my opinion.”

Karalis’ comments make it clear that Brad Stevens is not actively pursuing a trade for Stephen Curry. Instead, the scenario was based entirely on the hypothetical possibility that Golden State would decide to place Curry on the trade market.

At the moment, there is no indication that will happen. In fact, multiple reports suggest the Warriors remain committed to Curry and have even discussed the possibility of another contract extension for the franchise icon.

As a result, what initially appeared to be a potential blockbuster has turned into little more than a social media frenzy fueled by a hypothetical opinion rather than an actual trade discussion.

Recently, Warriors guard Moses Moody revealed that Curry joined him for a youth event in his native Arkansas, speaking on what the gesture meant to him as a teammate.

“That’s a crazy concept to me. I met Steph Curry five years ago, and now he’s here in Arkansas. … You can say you like somebody. You can say you rock with somebody. But to actually come and do something like this, it really just makes me feel good about myself, for one, and it’s cool to know he thinks so highly of me,” Moody said, per Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.

Curry praises Moody

Moody’s appreciation was matched by the leader of a franchise with which Curry has won everything. Curry also offered a glowing review of Moody’s character built over their time as teammates.

“Just his curiosity for life. The questions he has. Just the spirit he has. And that was from Day 1. … And you kind of understand it means so much to him to be able to have this weekend and this presence here,” Curry said.

Moody’s situation

Moody is currently rehabbing from a devastating knee injury suffered toward the end of last season that figures to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming season. Joining Moody on the bench at the start of the year will be Jimmy Butler, who tore his ACL midway through last NBA season.

The Warriors will certainly hope that Curry can stay on the floor after he, too, dealt with injuries throughout last season. The franchise also hopes the rest of its roster recovers and stays healthy, considering all the complications it faced last season, including Moody’s absence.

Golden State still has a few roster spots available and could continue making smaller additions before the season begins. The Warriors could also look to add a new face, with Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley believing Dalen Terry could be an intriguing option.

“The 76ers just waived Terry to help make room for LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. That gives the Warriors an opportunity to take a flier on a 24-year-old wing with size (6’6″) and athleticism. If the Dubs want to fill out the roster with a more experienced wing than Lajae Jones, Terry is a decent option,” Akeley wrote.

The Warriors as an ideal landing spot

Terry is a young player seeking an opportunity, and Golden State could give him a chance to prove himself. He found himself on the outside looking in after Philadelphia needed roster space to add James and Caldwell-Pope.

Terry has earned $15 million throughout his young NBA career. The Warriors are simply looking to add depth, and taking a chance on a young player with something to prove could be the right move for Golden State.

A lack of major moves for Golden State

The Warriors have remained in their comfort zone, making no groundbreaking moves. Essentially, the franchise has opted to re-sign players already in its ranks with new contracts, bringing back Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Charles Bassey.

Golden State Warriors‘ sole acquisition has been Yaxel Lendenborg, the No. 11 overall pick—making for an NBA offseason that has truly fallen short of expectations.

The idea of Curry joining forces with Jayson Tatum immediately captured attention across the league, especially after another quiet offseason for the Warriors, who failed to land stars such as LeBron James.

However, a new report has poured cold water on the speculation, making it clear that the Golden State Warriors have no intention of moving their franchise icon ahead of next season.

Will Warriors trade Steph Curry to Boston Celtics?

No. According to a report from Jake Weinbach, the Golden State Warriors are not considering trading Stephen Curry and remain committed to building around their longtime superstar.

“Steph Curry is not a trade candidate, at least for the time being. The Warriors fully plan to keep their core intact heading into the 2026-27 season. Golden State’s direction could eventually shift, but the trade speculation surrounding Curry can be put to bed this offseason.”

As exciting as the scenario sounded for Celtics fans, there appears to be virtually no chance of Curry wearing green this season. Instead, the Warriors are expected to move forward with essentially the same core that fell short last season, led by Curry, Draymond Green, as they wait for Jimmy Butler who is working his way back from injury.

After missing out on major offseason targets, the Warriors are betting that continuity will be enough to keep them in the championship conversation during the 2026-27 campaign.

John Karalis of Sports Illustrated gave the following trade proposal for the Celtics to try and convince the Golden State Warriors to say goodbye to Steph Curry, it won’t be easy, but it looks like this:

• Celtics give: Paul George, Sam Hauser, two future first-round draft picks (2028 and 2031), and two second-round draft picks (2028 and 2030).
• Warriors give: Steph Curry.

Is the Curry trade proposal viable?

For starters, for this to happen the Celtics would have to wait until September 6 to make the trade because Paul George’s salary can’t be aggregated with anyone else’s for 60 days. Steph Curry will not request a trade from the Warriors, though.

This hypothetical trade proposal is financially viable and mathematically legally compliant under the current NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). So, is it viable? Yes. Will it happen? Less likely. In fact, a recent report suggests the Celtics won’t find a way to trade for Curry.

Curry isn’t tempted easily

The Warriors have had incredible rosters, but also some lackluster ones, yet Steph Curry has remained loyal through it all. He and Golden State are one, and it’s even tough to imagine it otherwise. Hence, the Celtics would really have to present a strong case to sway Curry.

In Durant’s view, the 76ers as currently constructed are almost just as stacked as that Warriors team, and he will not make the mistake of underestimating their potential—with good reason, considering the starting five Philadelphia features.

“The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on,” Durant told ESPN’s Ben Golliver. “[The 76ers] have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender. They’re going to be a fun team to watch. It’s going to be League Pass-worthy.”

Durant on LeBron’s situation

LeBron‘s free agency has been the biggest story of the summer, and he took special care not to let anyone know which way he was leaning. Only a select few people were involved in the process, and very few predicted he would end up in Philly.

“I didn’t know at all,” Durant said regarding the decision. “LeBron is stealth like that. I know there’s a lot of noise around him, but you never know what’s on his mind. I’m happy for him. It’s a great decision for him to go to a team that has a good chance to win. Philly is a great fan base, a great market, and it’s great for the league. There were so many eyes that were tuned into his decision.”

As far as their chances of success, there is a reason LeBron chose the Sixers out of all the other teams. With Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, they have the most talented core in the NBA, and the King will only enhance their performance on the court. The key to making it work, among other factors, will be using LeBron in a playmaker role to set up teammates and simplify the offense.

This approach mirrors what Durant accomplished upon his arrival with the Warriors, joining a roster that featured Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala—all in their prime—alongside an unmatched depth chart in the NBA.

The 76ers’ potential lineup with LeBron James is a scary one, but it left all NBA fans with the desire to see James and Steph Curry playing together. As for now, the Warriors will focus on defense, as that’s Gary Payton II’s specialty. Payton signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal.

Reports also stated that Curry’s Warriors were looking to get Kevin Durant. Hence, its reunion season for the Golden State team. The franchise knows they need to capitalize on Curry’s last few years atop the NBA to look for a new ring.

Warriors’ potential lineup with Gary Payton II?

It’s unlikely that Payton comes in and starts for the Warriors. The lineup looks like a more offense-oriented lineup. However, Payton could be a great addition when needing to close a game or for the second team to give Steph Curry a rest. Having said that, he could slide in as a small forward when playing small ball.

• PG – Steph Curry
• SG – Brandin Podziemski
• SF – Draymond Green
• PF – Kristaps Porzingis
• C – Al Horford

Are the Warriors doing a wise thing?

Despite missing the playoffs during the last NBA season, the Warriors are re-signing plenty of names. Golden State re-signed Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II this summer and will try to run it back.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, signing Payton brings the Warriors to 13 players under standard deals, leaving the team roughly $6 million below the second apron hard cap.

The Warriors have been eyeing extra backcourt help and are also interested in Kelly Olynyk. Additionally, the team is considering combo guard Brandon Williams and guard Gabe Vincent to fill its final three roster spots.

What Olynyk brings to the table

Olynyk is a veteran stretch-five who would seemingly replace departed restricted free agent Quinten Post, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Grizzlies that includes multiple team options.

In his prime, Olynyk‘s size, shooting, and passing abilities seemed like an excellent fit alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but at age 35, it is unclear whether he has enough left in the tank to make a major impact.

Last season, Olynyk played just 8.6 minutes per game across 42 contests, averaging 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 25.5% from three with the NBA Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

However, he was much more productive the prior season with the Pelicans and Raptors. He played 20.3 minutes per game, averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while making 41.8% of his three-point attempts.

With players such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Brandon Ingram hitting the free-agent market, the Warriors have an opportunity to add star power to their aging roster. As it turns out, however, their odds of landing such players are directly tied to Anthony Davis, who has been at the center of trade rumors for months now.

“If the Warriors want to sign potential 2027 free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Brandon Ingram, trading for a player like Anthony Davis would give them a better shot at signing one of those star wings,” wrote SI’s Joey Akeley.

Warriors’ struggles attracting stars

Several veteran stars could be available for the taking. The problem for the Warriors is that players would have to choose them over other pursuers, who arguably have much more to offer. As much as the team might seem like a lucrative destination on paper, the Warriors have already been spurned by several stars over the years, including Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

What would set the Warriors apart and make them much more attractive is having another star to pair with Curry. Specifically, with Anthony Davis, the squad would have a much more compelling case to make to free agents.

Despite his injury history, the 10-time All-Star still leaves a massive impact on the floor, and he is widely respected by his peers. Last season, in 20 games for the Mavericks, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game on 50.6% shooting from the field. Outside of his injury concerns, there is no doubt about his All-Star level of play.

Warriors facing disappointment

Veteran forward Jimmy Butler was supposed to be the addition that saved this Warriors era and extended their title window. Instead, his contract has become somewhat of a liability as he recovers from a brutal ACL tear. With no set timetable for his return, the Warriors are desperate to fill the void, but it might not be until next summer that they have the right opportunity.

For now, the Warriors have no choice but to work with what they have, and we saw where that got the team last NBA season (10th in the West at 37-45). If they want to salvage what is left of the Curry era, action is needed, but finding the right move is easier said than done.

That reality has forced the Warriors to keep monitoring every possible opportunity that could help maximize what remains of Stephen Curry’s championship window. While there are few realistic blockbuster options available, one familiar name has surprisingly resurfaced in recent reports: Kevin Durant.

According to Brett Siegel, the Warriors have not completely abandoned the possibility of bringing Durant back if the situation in Houston were ever to change.

Warriors reportedly still interested in Kevin Durant

Siegel reported that Golden State would immediately revisit the idea of reuniting Curry and Durant should the opportunity arise. “Specifically for the Warriors, sources say the organization has not completely moved on from the idea of one day reuniting Curry with former Warrior and two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant. Joe Lacob and the Warriors would welcome Durant back with open arms, much like they were prepared to do in 2025 before he and his business partner Rich Kleiman stopped the trade deadline deal in its tracks.”

The report indicates the Warriors’ interest has never completely disappeared, even after the failed trade discussions in 2025. Despite the speculation, many around the league view the possibility as a long shot.

Even if Durant were to reconsider his future with the Houston Rockets, he has indicated in recent years that he has no desire to return to Golden State. That history has led many fans and analysts to describe the latest report as more of a contingency plan than a realistic expectation.

Still, with Curry entering the final stretch of his legendary career and the Warriors searching for one last championship run, they appear unwilling to completely rule out any blockbuster scenario, including another reunion with Kevin Durant.