The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crucial crossroads following Klay Thompson’s departure last summer. Despite acquiring Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline and surging into playoff contention, the team still lacks the offensive firepower needed to truly maximize Stephen Curry’s remaining championship window. Curry’s recent rest due to exhaustion highlights the need for additional scoring support to reduce his immense workload.
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. could represent the solution the Warriors are seeking. His perimeter-oriented scoring ability would pair perfectly with Curry’s skillset, potentially forming a new sharpshooting duo reminiscent of the original Splash Brothers. While Porter carries a substantial contract ($38.3 million next season), a package involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield might entice the Nuggets if they fall short in their title defense and look to retool around Nikola Jokić.
Golden State Warriors Build A Powerful Western Conference Finalist
The Golden State Warriors have positioned themselves for a significant resurgence in the Western Conference playoff picture after acquiring Jimmy Butler mid-season. This move has already paid dividends, but the organization appears poised to make another splash that could restore their championship contender status.
NBA analysts believe Golden State is targeting a potential deal for a premier sharpshooter to create what many are calling “Splash Bros 2.0.” This would pair Stephen Curry with another elite three-point threat, filling the void left by Klay Thompson’s departure.
Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as the most logical target. The 6’10” forward’s combination of size and shooting prowess (39.8% from three-point range) makes him an ideal fit in Steve Kerr’s motion offense. Porter Jr. is averaging 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds this season while demonstrating an elite catch-and-shoot ability that would complement Curry perfectly.
Potential Warriors Core:
- Stephen Curry (Point Guard)
- Jimmy Butler (Shooting Guard/Small Forward)
- Michael Porter Jr. (Small Forward/Power Forward)
- Draymond Green (Power Forward)
- Kevon Looney (Center)
This lineup would feature exceptional spacing, playmaking, and defensive versatility—three hallmarks of the Warriors’ championship teams. Curry’s legendary gravity, combined with Porter Jr.’s ability to shoot over defenders, would create nightmare scenarios for opposing defenses.
The Warriors have witnessed firsthand the toll a heavy offensive burden takes on Curry. Adding another high-volume scorer who thrives in off-ball actions would preserve their superstar point guard while maintaining offensive potency throughout the regular season and playoffs.
For Denver, parting with Porter Jr. would allow them to address defensive concerns that have plagued them this season. Despite his scoring abilities, Porter Jr.’s limitations on defense have become increasingly problematic against the conference’s elite wings.
The proposed deal would likely center around Jonathan Kuminga. At just 22 years old, Kuminga has shown significant growth, averaging 16.3 points and 4.8 rebounds while displaying the athleticism and defensive versatility that Porter Jr. lacks. His development curve remains steep, making him an intriguing long-term investment.
Golden State’s front office recognizes their championship window with Curry (turning 37 next season) won’t remain open indefinitely. This aggressive approach signals their commitment to maximizing their remaining opportunities with their franchise cornerstone.
The Warriors’ potential acquisition represents a calculated gamble that another elite shooter alongside Curry could recapture the offensive magic that once terrorized the NBA. With Butler already providing two-way excellence and Green orchestrating the defense, adding Porter Jr. would give Golden State legitimate firepower to challenge any team in the conference.
For Warriors fans, the prospect of seeing another “Splash Bros” iteration brings excitement and nostalgia. While no partnership may ever replicate the original Curry-Thompson dynamic, Porter Jr.’s shooting credentials suggest he could form a lethal perimeter tandem that would keep Golden State’s championship aspirations alive for years to come.
A Blockbuster Win-Win Trade Idea
The Warriors and Nuggets could potentially engineer a mutually beneficial trade that addresses key needs for both franchises. This rare scenario would allow both teams to remain competitive while fixing specific weaknesses in their rosters.
Golden State could acquire Michael Porter Jr. to form a new shooting tandem with Stephen Curry—essentially creating “Splash Bros 2.0” with another lethal perimeter threat. While surrendering Jonathan Kuminga would be difficult, the Warriors’ championship window with Curry demands immediate reinforcements rather than development projects.
Porter Jr. offers several advantages for the Warriors:
- Elite shooting (career 41.5% from three)
- Size and length at the forward position
- Complementary fit with Jimmy Butler and Curry
For Denver, this potential deal addresses their long-term sustainability around Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets would receive:
| Nuggets Receive | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Jonathan Kuminga | Elite athleticism, defensive versatility, youth |
| Buddy Hield | Maintained floor spacing, veteran presence |
Kuminga’s defensive capabilities against elite wings would significantly upgrade Denver’s playoff matchup options. Meanwhile, Hield’s shooting ensures the Nuggets maintain the spacing that Jokic requires to operate effectively in the post.
If both teams underperform expectations in the current season, this trade becomes increasingly logical. The Warriors would strengthen their championship pursuit with another premier shooter, while Denver would reshape their supporting cast with more defensive versatility around their MVP center.
This trade represents the rare win-win scenario where both franchises can address weaknesses without sacrificing their competitive standing in the challenging Western Conference landscape.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
