Fresh off a gritty Christmas Day victory over the Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a precarious position. At 16-15, they are currently clinging to the 8th seed in a Western Conference that feels more like a minefield than a playoff race.
With Al Horford nearing 40 and rookie Quinten Post still finding his footing, the lack of an athletic, rim-protecting presence has become a glaring vulnerability. According to reports from Brett Siegel (ClutchPoints), Mike Dunleavy Jr. is aggressively working the phones to find a "bigger body" before the February deadline.
Here is how the rumored targets rank based on their fit, financial feasibility, and the "Kuminga Factor."
#3. Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
The Verdict: The Relic of a Former Interest.
For years, Vucevic was the "white whale" for the Warriors' front office—a stretch-five who could play the pivot and pass. However, as 2025 draws to a close, interest in the 35-year-old veteran has reportedly cooled.
Pros: Elite rebounding and veteran savvy. He could instantly fix the Dubs' issues on the glass.
Cons: At this stage of his career, "Vooch" provides almost zero rim protection and lacks the lateral quickness to survive in Steve Kerr’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.
Ranking Reason: While the Bulls are open to a Jonathan Kuminga swap, Vucevic doesn't solve the Warriors' primary need for an athletic disruptor at the rim. He is a fallback option, not a priority.
#2. Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
The Verdict: The Perfect Fit with a "Salary Snag."
If you could build a center in a lab for the Golden State Warriors, he would look exactly like Nic Claxton. He is mobile, an elite shot-blocker, and doesn't need the ball to be effective.
Pros: He is the "Major Defensive Jolt" the team needs. His ability to guard 1-through-5 would allow Draymond Green to roam as a free safety.
Cons: Money. Claxton is earning roughly $25.3 million this season. Reports suggest the Warriors are hesitant to take on any contract exceeding the $15 million mark to avoid crippling their flexibility under the luxury tax aprons.
Ranking Reason: He is arguably the best player on this list, but the financial hurdles make this a "dream" target rather than a "realistic" one unless Brooklyn is willing to take back significant salary.
#1. Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans)
The Verdict: The Ultimate "3-and-D" Wing.
Sitting at the top of the wish-list is New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III. With the Pelicans struggling near the bottom of the West and looking to build around their rookie sensations, Murphy has become the league's most sought-after trade chip.
Pros: At 6'8" with elite athleticism and a lights-out three-point stroke, Murphy is the "Klay Thompson 2.0" the Warriors have been missing. He provides the perimeter size and rim-running ability that Horford and Post lack.
Cons: The price tag. The Pelicans reportedly want a "massive haul," including multiple first-round picks and a blue-chip young talent.
Ranking Reason: Murphy represents the highest ceiling for this team. A core of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Trey Murphy III instantly vaults Golden State from a Play-In hopeful to a legitimate title threat. He fits the "athletic forward" description perfectly and aligns with the championship timeline of the Curry-Butler-Green era.
📊 Trade Target Comparison
| Player | Team | Key Skill | Salary (25-26) | Likelihood |
| Trey Murphy III | Pelicans | 2-Way Versatility | $25.0M | High (Target #1) |
| Nic Claxton | Nets | Rim Protection | $25.3M | Moderate (Pricey) |
| Nikola Vucevic | Bulls | Rebounding | $21.4M* | Low (Fit Issues) |
*> Note: Vucevic is on an expiring deal, which may appeal to the Warriors if they fail to land Murphy.
As the January 15th eligibility date for Kuminga approaches, expect the "Trey Murphy sweepstakes" to reach a fever pitch.
Related Article: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers targets a defensive stopper?
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