The Golden State Warriors are back in the mix, surging into prime playoff position after acquiring Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline. But the path back to true title contention remains fragile.
Klay Thompson’s departure last summer left a hole in their offensive identity, and while Butler has been a massive addition, the burden on Stephen Curry is still immense. His recent night off against the Bucks due to exhaustion was a clear signal: Golden State needs more scoring firepower to maximize their championship window. If they fall short this postseason, expect them to get aggressive.
That’s where Michael Porter Jr. comes in. The Denver Nuggets forward (making $38,333,050 next season) has been a key part of Denver’s success, but if they fail to defend their title, change could be coming. Nikola Jokic is the franchise cornerstone as a three-time MVP, and while Denver has prioritized continuity, Porter Jr. was involved in trade rumors earlier this season so he isn't untouchable by any means.
His high-scoring, perimeter-based game fits the Warriors’ system like a glove, and in return, Denver would get a more athletic wing in Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade of at least $30 million per season), plus a proven shooter in Buddy Hield (who earns $9,219,512 next season) to maintain floor spacing around Jokic. With the Warriors looking to retool around Curry and the Nuggets possibly recalibrating for another title push, this trade scenario could be a win-win for both sides.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Buddy Hield, 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 Second-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Build A Powerful Western Conference Finalist
The Warriors’ midseason trade for Jimmy Butler already gave them a much-needed two-way star, but adding Michael Porter Jr. could elevate them to another level. Porter Jr. is one of the league’s best catch-and-shoot forwards, averaging 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 39.8% from three this season.
His size (6'10") and shooting ability would instantly complement Curry and Butler, giving Golden State an elite floor-spacing lineup. With Draymond Green orchestrating the defense and Porter Jr. stretching the floor, the Warriors could return to the dynamic offensive machine that dominated the Western Conference for years.
Curry has been phenomenal when healthy, but the team has seen the toll a heavy workload takes on him. Porter Jr. could help alleviate that burden by providing another high-volume scorer who thrives in off-ball actions, a staple of Steve Kerr’s system.
His ability to rise up over defenders and knock down contested shots fits perfectly alongside Curry’s gravity and Butler’s physical play. If the Warriors struggled early in the season without Klay Thompson or at least another shot-maker, this move ensures they don’t face the same issue next year.
With a lineup featuring Curry, Butler, Porter Jr., Green, and potentially Kevon Looney or another defensive-minded center, the Warriors would have a strong mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility. The Western Conference is loaded with contenders, but a fully optimized Warriors team could go toe-to-toe with the best.
Denver Nuggets Re-Tool And Head In A New Direction
Denver may have won the 2023 title, but this season has exposed some flaws. Porter Jr. remains a great scorer, but his defensive limitations have been a growing concern, especially in a conference loaded with elite wings. The Nuggets have struggled to stop dynamic offenses, and while Porter Jr. provides spacing, his shot creation is inconsistent.
By swapping him for Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade), Denver would add an athletic two-way wing who has shown flashes of stardom with 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game this season. Kuminga brings an element of physicality and defensive versatility that Porter Jr. lacks. At just 22 years old, he still has untapped potential and could thrive playing off Jokic’s passing brilliance.
Buddy Hield, meanwhile, would ensure Denver doesn’t lose too much shooting, as he’s averaging 11.3 points while hitting 36.9% from deep this season. While not the defender that Porter Jr. is and he has struggled with consistency, Hield is a reliable floor spacer who could open up driving lanes for Jamal Murray and Jokic in crunch time.
This move would also give Denver additional draft capital, setting them up for future flexibility. If the Nuggets fall short this postseason, they’ll have to decide whether their current core is good enough to win another title. Porter Jr. has been a valuable contributor, but it makes sense to make a move if a better two-way fit is available.
A Blockbuster Win-Win Trade Idea
Trades like this are rare in terms of being one that genuinely help both teams remain competitive while addressing weaknesses. For the Warriors, this deal secures a long-term scoring threat who can grow alongside Butler and Curry, ensuring they remain a Western Conference force. While losing Kuminga stings, Golden State is in win-now mode, and Porter Jr. fits their championship timeline better than the young forward.
On the other side, Denver needs to think long-term. Jokic is in his prime, but the Nuggets have seen how difficult it is to repeat as champions. Porter Jr. has always been a question mark defensively, and if they aren’t fully convinced he can be a key piece for another title, making a change is logical.
Kuminga’s upside is sky-high, and his ability to defend multiple positions would give the Nuggets a new defensive weapon to counter elite wings in the playoffs. Hield’s shooting also keeps their offensive firepower intact, ensuring they don’t take a step back in spacing.
Ultimately, if both teams struggle to meet expectations in the 2024-25 season, this trade should be on the table. The Warriors would become a true Western Conference juggernaut with Porter Jr. in the mix, while the Nuggets would reshape their supporting cast to better complement their MVP centerpiece in Jokic.
