What initially seemed like a quiet trade deadline for the Golden State Warriors has suddenly taken an interesting turn. The team is now back in discussions for some of the biggest trade targets expected to be available in the coming days.
Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine have recently re-emerged as potential trade options for the Warriors. However, with both players earning over $40 million per year, any deal involving them would require significant assets in return.
Which Warriors players are untouchable ahead of the trade deadline?
The situation became even more intriguing after Golden State pulled off an unexpected 116-109 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. More significant than the victory itself was the performance of three key players—all of whom are currently involved in trade speculation.
Andrew Wiggins led the team with 27 points, while Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II both recorded season-highs in scoring, helping the Warriors come back from a 14-point deficit. Wiggins’ $26.3 million contract is likely to be a crucial piece in any potential deal for Butler or LaVine, while Looney and Payton—both on expiring contracts—are seen as valuable salary fillers.
Despite their impressive performances, a single game won’t be enough to secure untouchable status for any of them. So, who are the Warriors’ true untouchables as the trade deadline approaches? Let’s take a look:
1. Stephen Curry
As the Warriors have struggled in the standings recently, speculation has grown regarding Stephen Curry’s future with the team and whether Golden State should even consider trading its greatest player.
That’s a discussion that could become more relevant in the offseason depending on how the rest of the season unfolds. But for now, Curry is not only untouchable—he’s also ineligible to be traded, having signed a contract extension in August.
2. Jonathan Kuminga
While some fans may disagree, reports suggest that Golden State remains fully committed to Jonathan Kuminga.
According to Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, “Kuminga (is) considered essentially off the table for any deal involving Butler or LaVine.”
If Kuminga remains with the Warriors beyond the deadline, the front office will need to prepare to offer him a substantial contract extension as a restricted free agent. Letting the 22-year-old walk for nothing in the offseason would be a major setback.
3. Brandin Podziemski
Golden State was unwilling to trade Brandin Podziemski in a deal for Lauri Markkanen last offseason, so why would they move him now when his trade value has dipped? If anything, the decline in his value should encourage the Warriors to double down on their belief that he can develop into an All-Star.
Podziemski has also shown promising signs, especially after returning from an abdominal injury. Additionally, with two years remaining on his rookie contract, he represents an incredible value in the current era of strict salary cap rules.
While neither Kuminga nor Podziemski are completely untouchable, none of the trade targets linked to the Warriors so far justify parting with either young player.
4. Draymond Green
Some might argue that Draymond Green—not Wiggins—should be the high-salary player moved in a trade for Butler or LaVine, especially if the Warriors are committing to Kuminga as their power forward of the future.However, Green’s deep connection with Curry and his standing within the franchise make it highly unlikely that Golden State would trade him within the next week.
