The Golden State Warriors are searching the trade market for a second star to pair with Stephen Curry.
The Warriors are 9-2 but may feel that their roster is unsustainable, especially as it’s devoid of a second All-Star.
While Golden State will inevitably be linked to Jimmy Butler and other big names between now and February, a more likely acquisition might be Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale proposed a three-team trade involving the Toronto Raptors that would send Ingram to Golden State.
The Raptors would receive Gary Payton II and a second-round pick in the trade. New Orleans would receive, per Favale, “Gui Santos, Andrew Wiggins, 2025 first-round pick (via Golden State), Toronto’s 2026 second-round pick (top-55 protection), Atlanta’s 2028 second-round pick (via Golden State).”
“Messing with the Warriors right now feels unforgivable,” Favale said.
“Yet, there remain moments in which the need for a bona fide second option is undeniable. Their walloping at the hands of Cleveland is a good example. More generally, the half-court offense continues to struggle when Stephen Curry isn’t on the court.”
“Ingram is not the most intuitive fit—though he’s much more plug-and-play when he’s taking this many threes. And the Warriors must reconcile his next contract with Jonathan Kuminga heading into restricted free agency.”
“At this cost, though, you shouldn’t overthink it. Ingram’s impending payday bilks New Orleans of leverage. It can push to receive Moses Moody (the math works) or another first. Golden State can consider acquiescing if the Pelicans have the suitors to back it up but shouldn’t have to unload its asset clip to get him.”
“Ducking the tax as part of this trade is a plus for the Pelicans, who may be thinking in gap-year terms. Wiggins’ contract (two years, $58.4 million) is more palatable relative to the rest of their long-term cap sheet.”
“The Raptors could flinch at taking on Payton. But they remain just under the tax, an Atlanta second-rounder isn’t nothing, and as an added bonus, they would corner the market on smaller guards who defend like blanketing wings.”
Ingram is in the final year of a five-year, $158.3 million deal.
More NBA: Warriors could acquire $215.2 million Bulls star in three-team deal with Nets
