Speculation is emerging regarding the future of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, with the Boston Celtics identified as a potential suitor. Reports suggest a possible shift in the Warriors’ direction and Curry’s role within the team, leading to discussions about his availability.
Marcus Thompson of The Athletic indicated on a podcast that Curry might be growing weary of the Warriors’ strategy of pursuing star players. Concurrently, Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard mentioned on his podcast that Warriors owner Joe Lacob is focused on building the team’s future beyond Curry’s tenure. While these reports do not suggest Curry wants to leave or that the team intends to move him, they hint at a potential change in the team’s long-term outlook.
Curry, who is on an expiring contract, could explore various options as his career progresses. These possibilities include playing out his current contract, signing short-term deals with other teams, or potentially returning to Charlotte, where he grew up. Another scenario involves him seeking a trade to a contender, similar to LeBron James, which could also provide the Warriors with assets for a rebuild.
Celtics’ Potential Offer
The Celtics, under Brad Stevens, have been active in managing their assets. A hypothetical trade package proposed for Curry includes Paul George, along with two first-round and two second-round picks. These picks were acquired in a previous trade and are considered valuable for a team looking to reset its roster.
The proposed trade would involve George primarily for salary matching purposes. The inclusion of Sam Hauser could also be part of the deal. For such a trade to proceed, a waiting period until September 6 would be necessary due to aggregation rules concerning George’s salary. The Celtics would also need to rely on the development of some of their younger players to fill key roles on the wing.
While a trade involving Curry this season would be a notable development, the current collective bargaining agreement may encourage teams to make strategic, “cold-hearted” decisions regarding valuable assets. The Celtics are seen as having the assets and a potential path to construct a deal that could benefit both sides.
Other Potential Destinations and Considerations
Beyond Boston, the Charlotte Hornets have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Curry. The Hornets represent a unique situation, given Curry’s ties to Charlotte, where he spent part of his childhood. The idea of “bringing Steph home” has been a recurring theme among Hornets fans.
For the Warriors, trading Curry would be a significant decision. While it could provide draft picks and allow them to avoid taking on additional salary, it would also present a public relations challenge. The return in draft capital would need to be substantial to justify moving a player of Curry’s caliber.
The Hornets, on the other hand, possess draft capital and could potentially absorb Curry’s contract. Adding Curry could align with their offensive strategy, which emphasizes three-point shooting, and could also positively impact the team’s public perception. However, such a move would require careful consideration of the team’s long-term leadership structure and whether it aligns with their rebuilding efforts.
The Atlanta Hawks are another team that could monitor Curry’s situation. They possess assets, including a valuable first-round pick swap and significant expiring contracts, which could form a compelling offer. The Hawks’ defensive capabilities could also appeal to Curry, potentially offering him more support on the perimeter than he has had previously.
The Warriors’ recent attempt to acquire LeBron James, which did not materialize, has left the team in a state of uncertainty. This situation has fueled speculation about whether the team will look to make a significant change, potentially involving Curry. The future of Stephen Curry remains a topic of discussion within the league.
Source: si.com