The Golden State Warriors have been eerily quiet this offseason, leaving fans restless as the team has yet to make a splash in free agency. With the 2025 NBA Draft in the rearview mirror, the Warriors added second-round picks Alex Toohey and Will Richard to their roster, but those moves alone aren’t enough to elevate a team with championship aspirations. Built around the star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, Golden State was expected to be aggressive in the trade market to bolster their title chances. So far, however, the front office has kept its cards close to the chest.
Amid this silence, trade rumors are swirling, and a recent mock trade proposed by GSW Ball Report on X has sparked intense debate. The deal? The Warriors would send young prospects Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis, along with first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for defensive stalwart Herbert Jones. It’s a blockbuster idea that could reshape Golden State’s roster—but it comes with serious risks that could haunt the franchise.
Herbert Jones, a 26-year-old forward, is no stranger to making an impact when healthy. Last season, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and an impressive 1.9 steals per game, showcasing his elite defensive prowess. His ability to lock down opponents while contributing offensively makes him an enticing fit alongside Curry’s sharpshooting and Butler’s two-way tenacity. Jones, who signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Pelicans in 2023, could be the versatile wing Golden State needs to compete with the NBA’s elite.
On paper, Jones is a dream addition. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and his improving offensive game—43.6% from the field and 30.6% from three—complements the Warriors’ fast-paced, spacing-heavy system. At just 26, he’s young enough to grow with the team and potentially anchor the roster in the post-Curry era. For a Warriors squad looking to maximize their championship window while their stars are still performing at an elite level, Jones could be the missing piece.
All jokes aside, here’s a proposed trade scenario that could send Herbert Jones to the Golden State Warriors:
Warriors receive:
– Herbert JonesPelicans receive:
– Moses Moody
– Trayce Jackson-Davis
– 2027 FRP
– 2029 FRP pic.twitter.com/cVH4Bim7eK— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) June 29, 2025
But here’s where the trade gets dicey. To acquire Jones, the Warriors would part with Moses Moody, a promising 23-year-old wing with untapped potential, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, a 25-year-old big man who showed flashes of brilliance last season. Both players are cost-controlled, young assets who could develop into key contributors. Losing them would sting, especially for a team that values homegrown talent.
The draft capital—first-round picks in 2027 and 2029—is another steep price. With Curry, Butler, and Green all in their mid-to-late 30s, those future picks could be valuable as the Warriors transition to a new era. Trading them away for Jones, a player with a concerning injury history, raises red flags.
The numbers tell a troubling story. Last season, Jones played just 20 games due to multiple injuries, a stark contrast to his relatively durable first two years in the league. While he’s proven to be a game-changer when healthy, his limited availability last season is a glaring concern. For a team like the Warriors, who are all-in on contending now, banking on Jones to stay healthy is a gamble. If injuries persist, Golden State could be left with a depleted roster and no draft picks to rebuild.
There’s no denying that Jones, when at his best, could elevate the Warriors to championship contention. His defensive tenacity paired with Curry’s offense and Butler’s leadership could create a formidable trio capable of challenging the NBA’s top teams. But the cost—two young players and valuable draft picks—makes this a high-stakes move. If Jones stays healthy, the Warriors could be hoisting another Larry O’Brien Trophy. If not, they risk mortgaging their future for a player who spends more time on the sidelines than on the court.
As the offseason unfolds, the Warriors have time to weigh their options and explore other deals. For now, this mock trade serves as a reminder: big rewards come with even bigger risks. Will Golden State roll the dice on Herbert Jones, or will they hold firm and trust their current core? Only time will tell.