The Golden State Warriors have missed out on some big pieces in recent years, but they are reportedly trying.

Dating back to the 2024 offseason, the Warriors have been linked to Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

They ultimately missed out on all six targets, though deals to acquire George and Durant were both close if you believe what the Warriors have to say.

The team did manage to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat at the 2025 trade deadline, and while he brought success, an injury to Steph Curry in the 2025 playoffs sank their chances, and injuries to Butler and Curry last regular season knocked them down to a Play-In spot.

Though Butler was ruled out for the season after an ACL tear in January, the Warriors did remain active at the 2026 trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, who appeared on the Hoop Collective podcast, the Warriors “sniffed around” acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline.

He also theorized that they could circle back to Jackson Jr at the 2027 trade deadline if it makes sense for them.

Jackson Jr, along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr were traded from the Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang, and three future first-round draft picks.

Jackson Jr has four years left on his deal with an annual salary of $51.2 million.

The Jazz acquired Jackson with the idea of pairing him with Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, and Keyonte George. They strengthened their rotation in the draft, selecting Darryn Peterson with the second overall pick.

Jackson’s contract might be tough to swallow, but unless there is a steep decline in play for the former Defensive Player of the Year, they won’t have to start paying their young core until next offseason when George is a restricted free agent.

He’s only 27 years old, as well, putting him on the same timeline of ascension as the young guard core continues to grow.

Utah isn’t exactly a high free-agent destination either, so even though they could take back the expiring contract of Jimmy Butler, the cap space would go toward their own group rather than a high-priced free agent.

Given how quickly the landscape in the NBA changes, other options could be available as well by the time we get to the 2027 trade deadline.