The Golden State Warriors’ need for interior size and rim protection is no secret. Veteran Al Horford has struggled to adapt, and the team lacks a long-term solution at center during the Stephen Curry era. ClutchPoint’s Bailey Bassett proposed a trade that could address it: acquiring Myles Turner from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Proposed Trade
Golden State Warriors receive:
Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Jonathan KumingaDe’Anthony MeltonTwo second-round picks
Bassett’s rationale: “If Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded, the Bucks will likely look to move Myles Turner as well. In the event of a full-blown rebuild, Milwaukee will want to get younger, and Jonathan Kuminga still has loads of potential. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, get the big man that has been missing for all of the Stephen Curry era. Turner would provide the interior defense that is missing on the Warriors’ roster. He also fits Golden State’s 3-point mantra, as he is one of the best shooting bigs in NBA history.”
Turner (fresh off a Finals appearance) averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks last season, shooting 39.6% from three on 5.8 attempts. His spacing + shot-blocking would pair perfectly with Draymond Green and open driving lanes for Curry.
Why It Might Not Happen: Bad Optics for Milwaukee
The Bucks stretched Damian Lillard‘s contract this offseason (adding $25M dead cap for five years) specifically to afford Turner from Indiana. Trading him so soon—especially if rebuilding post-Giannis—would look disastrous: dumping a Hall of Fame PG (injured) and hamstringing the cap for a short-lived experiment.
Milwaukee would need a full teardown to save face, making a Turner deal unlikely unless everything falls apart.
Kuminga’s Future: Trade Bait Regardless
Kuminga’s standoff with the front office last offseason and fall from Steve Kerr’s rotation have made him the Warriors’ most movable asset. Marc Stein reported December 29: “The Warriors are known to be determined to find the best possible trade headlined by Jonathan Kuminga… once the out-of-favor swingman becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15.”
Kuminga ($22.5M this year) represents “fair value” in any big swing. Even without Turner, expect heavy interest from multiple teams before February 5.
Bottom Line
This trade fixes Golden State’s biggest weakness (paint presence) while giving Milwaukee youth for a potential reset. But Bucks’ optics and commitment issues make it a long shot.
Warriors fans: Turner would be perfect—but Kuminga’s exit feels inevitable either way. Deadline drama loading.