The NBA trade rumor mill is buzzing with a blockbuster idea that could shake up the league: a potential swap between the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls that would see Stephen Curry team up with Jimmy Butler and an emerging star to form a new Big 3. According to a bold trade proposal from Athlon Sports, this deal could redefine both franchises and send shockwaves through the basketball world.
The Trade Proposal
The centerpiece of the hypothetical trade involves the Warriors sending their superstar, Stephen Curry, along with young talents Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski, to the Chicago Bulls. In return, Golden State would acquire Jimmy Butler, Coby White, and a 2026 first-round draft pick (top-10 protected). This trade would unite Butler with Draymond Green and potentially elevate Coby White as the “underrated 20 PPG star” to complete a formidable Big 3.
Why It Makes Sense for the Warriors
For Golden State, this trade could address their need for a second superstar to complement Draymond Green, especially as the team navigates a challenging season with a 15-13 record and a ninth-place standing in the Western Conference. Jimmy Butler, a six-time All-Star known for his two-way play and clutch performances, could seamlessly integrate into the Warriors’ system. His defensive tenacity and ability to create his own shot would alleviate pressure from Green and the rest of the roster.
Coby White, who averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season while shooting 37.6% from three, brings youthful energy and scoring prowess. At 25 years old, White is on the cusp of stardom and could thrive alongside Green, potentially becoming the Warriors’ lead guard of the future. The 2026 first-round pick adds long-term value, giving Golden State flexibility to rebuild or add depth.
Why the Bulls Would Consider It
For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Stephen Curry—a two-time MVP and the greatest shooter in NBA history—would be a franchise-altering move. Despite their reluctance to trade Butler and White, as reported by The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry, Curry’s unparalleled star power could justify the deal. Pairing Curry with young talents like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski would give Chicago a mix of immediate impact and future potential. Jackson-Davis, a second-round gem, has shown promise as a rim-running big, while Podziemski’s versatility could bolster the Bulls’ backcourt.
The Bulls, currently struggling with a 12-17 record and sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, are at a crossroads. With Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic also in trade rumors, landing Curry could signal a bold pivot toward contending rather than rebuilding, especially if they believe Butler’s championship window is closing.
The Big 3 Potential
The idea of Butler, Green, and White forming a Big 3 in Golden State is tantalizing. Butler’s grit and playoff heroics, combined with Green’s defensive versatility and playmaking, would create a dynamic duo capable of competing with the West’s elite. White, often overlooked in Chicago, could emerge as a 20+ points-per-game scorer in the Warriors’ system, leveraging his speed and shooting to complement Butler’s mid-range mastery and Green’s facilitation.
However, the trade’s feasibility hinges on several factors. Curry, a Warriors icon and lifelong member of the organization, has a no-trade clause and would need to approve any deal. At 37 years old, he continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season. Meanwhile, Butler’s $48.8 million salary and impending free agency in 2026 (with a $52.2 million player option) complicate the financials, especially with White’s $12.4 million deal and the Warriors’ luxury tax concerns.
What NBA Executives Are Saying
NBA executives are reportedly stunned by the audacity of this trade idea. While it remains speculative, the thought of Curry in Chicago or Butler and White in Golden State has sparked intense debate. Some see it as a desperate move by the Warriors to maximize their championship window post-Klay Thompson’s departure, while others view it as a risky gamble for the Bulls to part with two key players for an aging superstar.
The trade also raises questions about fit and chemistry. Could Butler adapt to Golden State’s motion offense? Would White handle the pressure of being a primary scorer? And most importantly, would Curry ever agree to leave the Bay Area?
The Verdict
This trade proposal is a high-stakes gamble for both sides. For the Warriors, it’s a chance to build a new Big 3 around Butler, Green, and White, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent. For the Bulls, landing Curry could redefine their franchise, but at the cost of losing Butler’s heart and White’s upside. While the deal seems unlikely given Curry’s loyalty to Golden State and the Bulls’ reported stance, it’s a reminder of how quickly the NBA landscape can shift.
As the February trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on both teams to see if they dare to pull the trigger on a deal that could reshape the league. For now, fans can only dream of seeing Jimmy Butler and Coby White donning Warriors jerseys or Stephen Curry lighting up the United Center.