Three Tradeable NBA Stars the Warriors Must Target During 2026-27 Season

A 37-win season left the Golden State Warriors outside the playoffs, and the roster around Stephen Curry still carries urgent questions.

Jimmy Butler is recovering from a torn ACL, and the team needs another high-level scorer who can help carry a playoff offense.

Golden State should not treat any of these three stars as available, but it should monitor each situation through the deadline, because extension talks, team records, and one delayed trade could create an opening that does not exist in August.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. has already explained the approach, saying, "But if there's a great player to be had, we've got everything in the war chest that we would be willing to use."

That willingness has to remain tied to a player who changes a playoff series, since another small upgrade will not close the distance created by age and injuries.

Davis should be the first call if Washington's season slips or his extension talks fail to move, because he gives Golden State the paint defense, rebounding, and interior scoring this older roster needs.

He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20 games last season, and his size would let Draymond Green defend forwards instead of carrying another heavy load at center.

A recent Roundtable proposal explored a possible move for Davis, but Washington has not shown that it wants to deal him, and Butler's $56.8 million expiring contract would only start the salary work.

Golden State should wait for a real change in Washington, then offer picks without emptying every young piece, because Davis' health record makes an unlimited bid too risky.

Porter is the cleanest shooting fit, as the Brooklyn wing averaged 24.2 points and shot 36.3 percent from three across 52 games.

His size would give Curry a dependable target above smaller defenders, while his scoring could keep the offense moving when Curry rests or Butler is still working back into form.

The obstacle is inside Golden State, because Steve Kerr reportedly opposed a Porter deal in February.

If the Warriors are again short on scoring by December, Kerr should reconsider, since Porter offers more present help and more future value than another short-term addition.

Leonard is the best player of the group, but he is also the least available, because Toronto and the Clippers agreed to a trade that remains on hold during an NBA investigation.

A May mock proposal paired Leonard with Curry, but Golden State should only call if that agreement collapses, and it should never negotiate as though Toronto is not already first in line.

If Leonard becomes available, his 27.9 points per game and strong wing defense would give Curry the proven playoff partner this roster lacks, even with the clear health risk.

Davis is the best need-based target, Porter is the smartest long-term target, and Leonard is the rare backup option worth watching, so Golden State must stay patient while remaining ready to move.