NBA Trade Rumors Explode: Stephen Curry Decision Could Change Everything for Warriors

The NBA may be in its quietest stretch of the year, but the trade rumor machine is showing no signs of slowing down.

And at the center of the latest buzz is none other than Stephen Curry.

The Golden State Warriors can officially lock Curry into a new extension starting Saturday, and whatever happens next could provide a major clue about the franchise’s plans for the next chapter.

At 38 years old, Curry is eligible for a maximum two-year extension worth roughly $137 million. But the superstar has another option that could completely change Golden State’s financial flexibility.

Curry’s Contract Could Send a Major Signal

There are essentially three paths.

1. Curry takes the max.

This is the most straightforward—and most likely—scenario.

Curry could sign for two years with a first-year salary around $66 million, securing his future in the Bay Area while allowing the Warriors to retain some flexibility.

After everything Curry has accomplished for Golden State, there is certainly no reason to expect him to take a discount.

2. Curry takes less money.

This is where things get really interesting.

If Curry were willing to accept something closer to $100 million over two years, Golden State could potentially create significantly more room to pursue another star.

A discount from Curry could give the Warriors the ammunition to chase a major free agent or make an aggressive offer to a restricted free agent.

It could be the ultimate win-win—but only if Curry decides that another championship opportunity is worth leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table.

3. Curry doesn’t extend—yet.

This is the chaos option.

A lack of an extension would immediately trigger speculation about Curry’s future, despite the fact that there is no indication he wants out of Golden State.

Instead, the Warriors could potentially use their enormous projected cap space first and then revisit Curry’s contract afterward.

That scenario would turn the NBA rumor mill into absolute mayhem.

And let’s be clear: Curry is not expected to be traded. His relationship with Golden State and his desire to finish his career in the Bay Area make that scenario extraordinarily unlikely.

But if you’re an NBA fan, you’re allowed to fire up the trade machine anyway.

Dejounte Murray Is a Name to Watch

Another player quietly sitting on the NBA trade radar is New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray.

Murray’s road back has been complicated. After struggling during the 2024-25 season, he suffered a torn Achilles and even considered retirement.

He eventually returned for 14 games last season, averaging 16.7 points and 6.4 assists.

Now 30, Murray has a $32.7 million salary this season and a player option for 2027-28.

If he proves that his athleticism, defense and playmaking are back to normal, expect his name to heat up considerably as the trade deadline approaches.

One NBA general manager summed up the intrigue: teams simply want to see what Murray looks like when he’s fully healthy.

Cam Whitmore’s Future Is Also in Question

Cam Whitmore was once viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft before concerns caused him to slide to No. 20.

His NBA career hasn’t developed as expected.

After three seasons, Whitmore has averaged just 10.5 points per game, and Cleveland is reportedly exploring whether another team might be willing to take a chance on his upside.

The bigger issue is timing.

The Cavaliers have until August 29 to decide whether to waive and stretch his approximately $5.4 million salary.

That could make Whitmore one of the more intriguing low-cost reclamation projects available.

NBA Trade Rumors: The Guards to Watch

Several guards could become increasingly important as the season progresses.

• Dejounte Murray, Pelicans: His health and defensive form will determine his market.
• Jamal Murray, Nuggets: Denver’s financial situation could eventually force a difficult decision.
• Shaedon Sharpe, Trail Blazers: Coming off a 20.8-point season, Sharpe has value, but his efficiency remains a concern.
• Jordan Hawkins, Pelicans: Still just 24 and a career 37.4% three-point shooter, making him an intriguing flyer.
• Ty Jerome, Grizzlies: Coming off a breakout season in which he averaged 19.7 points while shooting 42% from three.
• Dalton Knecht, Lakers: His rookie flashes remain attractive despite a disappointing second season.

Everyone Wants Wings

The wing market could ultimately become the most active part of the trade landscape.

Moses Moody remains an intriguing Warriors name, particularly if Golden State decides to make another significant move.

Trey Murphy III continues to generate speculation in New Orleans, although the Pelicans appear reluctant to move him without getting significant value in return.

Saddiq Bey bounced back from his ACL injury and could provide bench scoring and shooting.

Patrick Williams could become a symbolic casualty of Chicago’s new direction, although his contract makes a trade difficult.

Then there’s Jonathan Kuminga, perhaps the biggest remaining name on the free-agent board. Teams including the Lakers, Bucks, Kings and Timberwolves have reportedly shown interest, but finding a workable sign-and-trade remains complicated.

Other wings worth monitoring include Michael Porter Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., Kyle Kuzma, DeAndre Hunter, Royce O’Neale, Jake LaRavia, Herb Jones, Cam Johnson and P.J. Washington.

And several of those names could become much hotter once the season gets underway.

Big Men Could Become the Real Prize

The center market could also produce some surprises.

Jalen Smith is an affordable option for teams looking for backup-center help.

Nikola Jovic remains an interesting young piece in Miami, although his four-year, $62 million commitment could make potential suitors hesitate.

Grant Williams has an expiring $15 million contract that could become useful in a larger deal.

Denver could desperately want to move Zeke Nnaji, whose contract has become a problem for the Nuggets’ financial situation.

The Lakers continue to have Jarred Vanderbilt as a potential trade candidate, although his contract has made finding a willing partner difficult.

And then there are bigger names such as Aaron Gordon and Daniel Gafford, both of whom could become available depending on how their respective teams reshape their rosters.

The NBA Rumor Mill Is Just Getting Started

The most important takeaway?

Don’t expect the NBA trade market to stay quiet.

Curry’s decision could reveal Golden State’s appetite for another championship push. Murray’s comeback could create a major market for an experienced two-way guard. Young players such as Whitmore and Sharpe could become buy-low targets.

And as teams get closer to the regular season, financial pressure will only increase.

The NBA’s late-August lull may be here—but the trade rumor storm is already building.

And if Stephen Curry makes a surprising decision with his next contract, the entire league could be watching.