The Golden State Warriors are in a tenous position as the NBA enters the halfway mark of the 2025-26 season. The Warriors, who have had their up and downs this season, have been linked to several players as the trade deadline is less than a month away. While it is unlikely that the Warriors will swing a deal for their top trade targets, they potentially could make smarter, smaller deals.
Update On Potential Warriors Trade For MPJ And 4 Smart Trades The Warriors Could Make
Golden State sits in the eighth spot in the Western Conference with a 21-19 record. The Warriors, who have been playing better lately, don’t seem to be in any danger of falling out of the top 10. But they are three-and-a-half games behind sixth-place Phoenix and still have apparent weaknesses. So, it is in the Warriors’ best interest to make a move, though a major deal is not needed.
Golden State is 19th in the league in scoring at 115.4 points per game and 15th in offensive efficiency. The Warriors are a bottom-seven shooting team, though they do shoot it decently well from the 3-point line. Turnovers and not getting to the free-throw line are issues.
Golden State, which has one of the least efficient first units in the NBA, has used 16 different starting lineups. Steve Kerr has gone with Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post over the last 14 contests. The Warriors are 8-6 in those contests, averaging 118.6 points per game, fifth most during this stretch, with a plus-2.5 scoring margin.
The Warriors’ most significant issue is that when Curry sits or is trapped, the offense stagnates. The Warriors need switchable wings who can defend without killing spacing.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Golden State has Brooklyn’s sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr., along with New Orleans two-way sensations Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III. All three players make sense for the Warriors as Golden State needs wing and offensive help.
Will MPJ, Jones, or Murphy Be Dealt Before the Trade Deadline?
Here is the thing: The Pelicans have said that they will not move Jones or Murphy during the season. And the Nets have not officially made Porter available despite John Hollinger of The Athletic’s declaration that Porter will undoubtedly be dealt.
“Right now, a lot of teams across the league — more contending teams — have called, just to get a sense of where he’s at,” HoopsHype Michael Scotto told Justin Shackil on the YES Network yesterday. “But one thing I will tell you and the viewers as well, Justin, is that the Nets, looking ahead towards next season, they’re going to want to take a step forward. Michael Porter Jr. could very well be a part of that with the way he’s playing. And he’s still young, in his prime.”
“So I would temper expectations on a trade, at least at this point. But certainly, he’s gained more interest around the league, and I don’t think anybody has helped his value more than him, given the All-Star production and efficiency he has shown this season so far.”
Trading For MPJ Doesn’t Make Sense Right Now
Additionally, although the Warriors would likely jump at the chance to acquire Porter Jr., the Warriors have not made an offer, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.
“The Warriors have not made an offer for Michael Porter Jr,” Johnson tweeted yesterday. “They’ve been hesitant on him, from what I’ve heard, and remain cautious with their future draft picks.”
Also, a trade for Porter would hamper their depth. While Porter’s addition would help the Warriors’ frontcourt depth and rebounding, he doesn’t fix their biggest issue: the center position. Siegel suggested that the Dubs send Jonathan Kuminga, , Buddy Hield and a first-round pick to the Nets for Porter.
That is too much for the Warriors at this point. Plus, trading Kuminga, Moody, and a first-round pick limits the Warriors’ ability to add a true big man who can rebound and protect the rim. Therefore, Naji Marshall, Ayo Dosunmu, Daniel Gafford, and Bobby Portis would make more sense for the Warriors.
Naji Marshall, Maviericks
Naji Marshall has followed a career season in 2024-25 with a fantastic start to this season. Marshall is averaging a career 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 54/31/78.3.
Marshall fits with the Warriors as his addition addresses several issues:
- Lack of reliable two‑way wings.
- Too many one‑dimensional guards.
- Inconsistent point‑of‑attack defense.
Marshall is a versatile defender who can guard 1-4. Marshall is an excellent cutter, runs the lanes, and rebounds the ball well. Plus, he projects just multiple second-round picks to acquire. The 27-year-old is under contract through 2026-27.
Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Dosunmu is on pace for a career season and doesn’t turn the ball over. He would provide the Warriors with a defensive-oriented guard with good size who puts pressure on the rim. The 25-year-old, who is an excellent shooter, is capable of guarding 1-3.
Daniel Gafford, Mavs
Daniel Gafford just signed a four-year extension this summer and is having the least efficient season of his career. Still, the 27-year-old would provide the Warriors with the big man they have been looking for the past few seasons.
Gafford would provide the Dubs with elite rim protection, vertical spacing, and physicality — all areas where the Warriors are lacking. Defensively, Gafford thrives in drop coverage and switch‑and‑recover. Meanwhile, offensively, he is a high‑energy rim runner who excels as a short-roll finisher.
Bobby Portis, Bucks
Bobby Portis has seen his role and production reduce this year with the Bucks. Still, he is an intriguing trade target due to his energy, offensive rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor. He averages 12.9 points, 1.9 threes, and 6.5 boards while shooting 48.8% from the field and 47.1% from the 3-point line.
Not only would Portis give the Warriors a reliable scorer off the bench, but he would also be a big man who can create his own shot. Portis would also bring an edge, physicality, and rebounding to the Bay Area.
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