The Golden State Warriors have wasted no time mapping out their offseason priorities. Steve Kerr is back on a two-year deal. Stephen Curry is expected to sign a new extension before next season begins. The organization is fully committed to making one last championship push around its franchise cornerstone.
That means being aggressive on the trade market this summer. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the headline target. But Golden State has also had serious interest in a second star who could push them back into contention.
The latest report on that front is not what Warriors fans wanted to hear.
Warriors Face Obstacle in Kawhi Leonard Pursuit
GettyThe Warriors are expected to make a push to trade for Kawhi Leonard this upcoming offseason.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, “early indications from Los Angeles are that Steve Ballmer wants to extend Leonard” rather than trade him this offseason. The LA Clippers‘ preference, at least at this stage, is to keep their two-time Finals MVP rather than field offers.
That creates an immediate problem for Golden State. The Warriors made a last-minute push for Kawhi Leonard in the hours before the February trade deadline, before ultimately acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga out of town. Those Leonard talks never came close to a deal, and the Clippers showed little interest in moving him at the deadline with any team.
The caveat is Leonard himself. If he signals a desire to move on from Los Angeles, Ballmer would likely revisit the conversation. But there has been no indication of that happening. Leonard appears comfortable in LA, and nothing from his camp has suggested an exit is coming.
What It Means for the Warriors’ Offseason
Golden State now faces a clearer picture of how difficult this summer will be. Giannis is the preferred target, but the Warriors’ package lacks the young blue-chip talent Milwaukee is seeking. Leonard appears likely to stay put. That leaves the organization needing to get creative.
A few other names have surfaced in discussions. Trey Murphy III of New Orleans was a target before the February deadline, though the Pelicans have shown little willingness to move their 25-year-old wing. Derrick White has been mentioned as a possibility, though his availability would likely hinge on whether Boston lands Giannis first.
The financial picture adds another layer of complexity. Any significant trade for a high-salary player would almost certainly require Golden State to move either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler. Green holds a $27.7 million player option. Butler carries $56.8 million on his deal next season while recovering from a torn ACL. Neither is an easy piece to move, and both carry their own complications.
What the Warriors Need Around Curry
GettyStephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors.
The urgency is real. Curry is 38 years old and has made clear he wants to win at least one more championship. The organization shares that goal completely. Kerr’s return was built around the understanding that changes are coming, and that the roster heading into 2026-27 will look different from what it was this past season.
Standing pat is not an option. The Western Conference is being reshaped by Oklahoma City and San Antonio, two young and deep teams that exposed Golden State’s limitations this season. Marginal improvements will not close that gap.
The Warriors know what they need. Finding a realistic path to get it is the challenge that defines this offseason.
Final Word
The Leonard door is not fully closed. If he pushes for a trade, the conversation changes quickly. But waiting on that scenario is not a strategy.
Golden State needs to be proactive. Curry’s window does not pause for offseason uncertainty.
The Warriors have the motivation. Whether they can find the right move remains the question.
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