The Golden State Warriors are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history, and according to multiple reports, they are prepared to swing big in pursuit of elite talent to surround Stephen Curry.
Insider Marc Stein revealed that the Warriors made a “determined” trade run at Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard in the final hour before the February 5 trade deadline. The push came amid speculation that Leonard might become unexpectedly available after the Clippers agreed to ship Ivica Zubac to Indiana. Although the Clippers ultimately balked, sources indicate Golden State remains highly interested and is expected to revisit the possibility aggressively this offseason.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and future Hall of Famer, would represent the legitimate co-star many believe Curry, now 38, needs for one final championship window. The Warriors’ front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, appears committed to exploring every avenue to make it happen.
LeBron James Also on the Radar
The buzz doesn’t stop with Kawhi. Stein also highlighted growing speculation around LeBron James, who could become a free agent this summer if he and the Lakers part ways after eight seasons in Los Angeles. Rival teams routinely describe the Warriors as one of the few credible destinations for James’ potential 24th NBA campaign.
“It has some legs,” one league source told Stein regarding the LeBron-to-Golden State link.
Pairing James with Curry—even for what could be a farewell tour—would create one of the most compelling duos in recent NBA history and instantly elevate the Warriors’ title contention hopes.
A Critical Offseason for Curry and the Warriors
This summer marks a crossroads for the Warriors and Stephen Curry. Curry has a player option to test free agency in 2027, which the team could address by offering an extension now. Meanwhile, expiring contracts of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III could serve as valuable trade chips to facilitate roster upgrades.
Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard reported that teams across the league are bracing for the Warriors to make a major splash. On the “Warriors Plus Minus” podcast, Kawakami noted:
“The league, I think, isn’t concerned that they’re going to go win another title, but they are concerned that they are going to load up like crazy going into next season. I’m saying Kawhi, LeBron James… There are complications with both. But you’ve heard it, I’ve heard it.”
Kawakami pointed to potential complexities with Leonard’s contract situation—including the possibility of it being voided due to Clippers-related issues—which could theoretically make him a free agent or limit his max-salary eligibility. Still, the conversation around both stars is very much alive.
Some insiders suggest that if the Warriors cannot land a difference-maker this summer, they may opt to play out the 2026-27 season before pivoting toward a rebuild in 2027, when they are projected to have over $120 million in cap space.
High Risk, High Reward
Pursuing either Leonard or James would be a bold, “do-or-die” move for a Warriors team that has shown flashes of competitiveness but clearly lacks a consistent second superstar alongside Curry. As Kawakami framed it, going hard after a brand-name star “might make things uncomfortable but also multiplies your title chances.”
With Mike Dunleavy at the helm and owner Joe Lacob’s willingness to invest, the Warriors appear ready to roll the dice. Whether through trade, free agency, or creative cap maneuvering, Golden State is signaling loud and clear: they are not content to fade quietly from contention.
The NBA world will be watching closely this offseason. For Warriors fans, the message is unmistakable—no offer is off the table in the pursuit of pairing Stephen Curry with another elite co-star.
Stay tuned as the speculation continues to build. The Warriors’ next chapter could redefine the final years of the Curry era.