Stephen Curry isn’t entirely convinced that the Golden State Warriors are championship contenders heading into next season, and it’s understandable why. The team lacks a clear second star, and the Western Conference is incredibly stacked to overlook that glaring hole.
This past summer, the Warriors sought to address this missing piece by pursuing Lauri Markkanen and Paul George. Unfortunately, these moves didn’t materialize, and the Warriors settled on role players instead. Perhaps it nudges them forward in the playoff race, but it’s not something big enough to shake things up in the West.
That said, while the Warriors didn’t make a major splash this offseason, there’s still plenty of time for change during the long regular season. There remains a possibility that they could explore acquiring a star to complement Curry, and according to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, Brandon Ingram could be the ideal candidate to fill that role.
“Golden State must firmly believe he’s (Brandon Ingram) not just a good fit long-term, but one worth paying boatloads of money next summer, when he’ll be eligible for a four-year max worth $207.8 million or five-year max worth $269.1 million.
That prospective price tag shouldn’t scare the Warriors. They have to worry about paying (the extension-eligible) Jonathan Kuminga, but they theoretically offset most of Ingram’s first-year salary in his next deal by jettisoning Wiggins (owed $28.2 million in 2025-26) and Moody (2025 restricted free agent).
A less-than-frothy trade market for BI may also mean he comes cheaper than expected. Scant few teams are slated to have max cap room next year, and the 27-year-old isn’t a no-brainer all-in guy even if that changes.”
Favale’s trade proposal ropes in not only the Warriors and Pelicans, but also a third team in the Portland Trail Blazers. The centerpiece is Ingram moving from the Pelicans to the Warriors, addressing their need for a second option. In exchange, Andrew Wiggins would head to the Trail Blazers, while DeAndre Ayton makes his way to the Pelicans.
“Golden State Warriors Receive: Brandon Ingram ($36 million), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl ($2.2 million)
New Orleans Pelicans: Deandre Ayton ($34 million), Moses Moody ($5.8 million), Golden State’s 2025 first-rounder (top-eight protection)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Andrew Wiggins ($26.3 million), Gary Payton II ($9.1 million)”
