The Golden State Warriors are determined to make one final aggressive push to surround Stephen Curry with elite talent capable of delivering another deep playoff run. While the dream of landing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo feels increasingly unrealistic, a more attainable target has emerged in Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, the Warriors should set their sights on Mitchell should the Cavaliers flame out in the Eastern Conference Finals. “Mitchell is young enough (or close to it) for the Warriors to peddle him as their ticket to immediate contention and bridge into the future,” Favale wrote on May 19.
As of Thursday night, the Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious 0-2 hole against the New York Knicks in the ECF, heading back to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday. After blowing a 22-point lead in Game 1 and suffering a 16-point defeat in Game 2, Cleveland is staring at the very real possibility of a short, disappointing series — a scenario that could increase the likelihood of Mitchell becoming available this summer.
A Backcourt Built for May and June
Pairing Mitchell with Curry would instantly create one of the most explosive offensive backcourts in the NBA. Mitchell, a first-team All-NBA selection in 2024-25 and a strong candidate for second-team honors this season, delivered elite production: 27.9 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 48% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range on nearly nine attempts per contest.
Curry, still performing at an All-Star level in his mid-30s, averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds on 46.8% shooting and 39.3% from deep on 11.3 attempts per game. With Curry’s gravity and off-ball movement complementing Mitchell’s explosive scoring and playmaking, the duo could form a lethal offensive combination capable of overwhelming opposing defenses.
Mitchell, who will enter next season under the terms of his $150 million contract (with a player option for 2027-28), has already finished between 5th and 7th in MVP voting in three of the last four seasons, including a 7th-place finish in 2025-26. Though he may never win the award, his prime years align well with Curry’s remaining championship window.
The Trade Realities: Jimmy Butler and Draft Capital
Any pursuit of Mitchell would come with significant hurdles. The primary pathway to making salaries work appears to involve including Jimmy Butler, who is owed $56.8 million next season. Coming off an ACL tear and entering his age-37 campaign, Butler’s value is uncertain, but his expiring deal could appeal to Cleveland as a short-term infusion of toughness and defense, or as future salary-cap flexibility in the summer of 2027.
The Warriors would almost certainly need to attach at least one first-round draft pick to sweeten the deal, given Butler’s age and injury history. A third team might also be required to facilitate the transaction.
Cleveland’s motivation to listen could stem from Mitchell’s impending free agency. With just one year guaranteed after next season, the Cavs risk losing him for nothing if he declines his player option and walks in 2027. Acquiring Butler’s expiring contract, a draft pick, and potential additional assets could provide a respectable return while resetting their timeline.
A Calculated Gamble for Golden State
For the Warriors, this move represents a clear “win-now” strategy. Curry has one year left on his current contract, with both sides expressing mutual interest in an extension this summer that could reach approximately $140 million over two additional years. Adding Mitchell would not only maximize Curry’s final prime seasons but also provide a high-level scorer who can carry the offense when Curry rests or faces defensive attention.
While the Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit generates more headlines, Mitchell represents a more grounded and executable path toward contention. Whether the Cavaliers’ early playoff exit opens the door remains to be seen, but the pieces are there for a blockbuster deal that could reshape the Western Conference landscape.
If Golden State pulls it off, the Curry-Mitchell backcourt could become one of the most feared offensive pairings in the league — offering the splash and scoring punch necessary for one or two more memorable playoff runs in the Bay.