Golden State Warriors Open to Trades Amid Push for Playoff Success

The Golden State Warriors’ 2025–26 NBA season has entered a pivotal phase, and with the trade deadline approaching on February 5, whispers of potential roster changes are growing louder. The Warriors, currently sitting at 19–17 after a January 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center, have shifted their stance on the young wing Moses Moody, signaling a willingness to explore trades that could reshape the roster for a deep playoff push.

According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, Golden State has gone from previously opposing the idea of moving Moody to openly shopping him, alongside Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The goal, as Sidery notes, is to find roster upgrades around the team’s aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III.

“The Warriors are open to moving Moses Moody during trade season for a wing upgrade,” Sidery wrote.
“Previously opposed to moving Moody, Golden State’s young core all appear available for a game-changing move. At 18–16 [now 19–17], Golden State is all-in on making another playoff run before it’s too late.”

Moody’s Rising Stock

Moses Moody, a former lottery pick in 2021, has been one of the Warriors’ more productive young players this season. He has started in 23 of 34 games, averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while connecting on 2.1 three-pointers per game, second only to Stephen Curry on the team. Moody is also second among starters in plus/minus at +2.4, reflecting his impact on both ends of the floor.

Despite his growth, Golden State’s willingness to trade him suggests the franchise is prioritizing immediate playoff competitiveness over long-term development. Moody’s youth, versatility, and defensive potential make him an attractive trade asset for teams looking to bolster their wing rotation, particularly as the Warriors search for players who can complement Curry’s style and provide more scoring and defensive flexibility.

Sidery’s report underscores a broader trend: the Warriors are reconsidering their commitment to their young core, which also includes Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Both players were once viewed as foundational pieces alongside Moody, but fluctuating roles and inconsistent production have seemingly led the front office to place them on the trade market. Kuminga, another lottery pick in 2021, will become trade-eligible on January 15, while Podziemski, drafted in 2023, is also reportedly available.

The Young Core vs. The Veterans

The changing trade philosophy reflects a prioritization of veteran experience over potential. While the Warriors are open to moving several young players, they remain steadfast in their belief in Curry, Green, and Butler, who collectively form the nucleus of the team.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Warriors are strongly against trading Green or Butler—even for superstars—highlighting their commitment to maintaining the leadership and championship experience those players bring.

“In the absence of a season-saving deal for Giannis that is clearly unlikely, the Warriors might have to accept the fact that this current group—by and large—is going to be it,” Amick reported on December 31.
“Team sources say they’re staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, which creates quite a predicament when you’re trying to match salaries of high-level players.”

This philosophy recently played a role in a potential trade scenario for Anthony Davis, which ultimately fell apart. The Dallas Mavericks reportedly attempted to structure a deal built around Kuminga’s contract to acquire Davis, but with Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary falling short of Davis’ $54.1 million, the transaction was financially unfeasible. Golden State also reportedly rejected a Butler-for-Davis swap, despite matching salaries, indicating a strong reluctance to part with their veteran core.

Trade Deadline Strategy

Golden State’s willingness to trade young players like Moody, Kuminga, and Podziemski reflects a high-stakes gamble: the team is attempting to maximize its window with Curry, Green, and Butler while they remain capable of competing at an elite level. With the Western Conference loaded with playoff contenders, the front office recognizes that relying solely on developing talent over the next few years could jeopardize the franchise’s immediate championship hopes.

The trade approach is nuanced. On one hand, the Warriors hope to bring in players who can contribute immediately, ideally versatile wings or scorers who can take pressure off Curry and complement Green’s defensive and playmaking abilities. On the other hand, moving young talent could leave the team with limited depth for future seasons, particularly if the veterans age or sustain injuries.

This balancing act is further complicated by salary cap and trade rules. Golden State must structure any deals carefully to remain financially flexible while meeting league requirements for matching salaries. As Amick noted, this has already complicated potential blockbuster trades, such as the Anthony Davis scenario.

Moody’s Role in the Trade Market

As the most productive and versatile young wing on the Warriors, Moses Moody has emerged as a key trade chip. Teams in need of perimeter defense and three-point shooting will likely monitor him closely, particularly given his improved offensive efficiency and defensive awareness. Trading Moody could provide the Warriors with the roster upgrade they seek while also opening opportunities for other younger players to step into expanded roles.

If moved, Moody’s departure would symbolize a shift in Golden State’s strategy: prioritizing immediate championship contention over nurturing the next generation. The franchise appears to have decided that its championship window with Curry, Green, and Butler is now, and any trade involving young players will be measured against that goal.

Conclusion

Golden State’s offseason and trade-deadline decisions underscore the tension between veteran experience and youthful potential. With Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski available for trades, the Warriors are signaling a willingness to make bold moves to strengthen their playoff chances. However, their commitment to Curry, Green, and Butler limits the scope of potential deals, creating a complex calculus for general manager Bob Myers and his front office.

For teams seeking young talent, Moody’s availability represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven contributor on a contending team. For Golden State, the challenge is to convert these trade assets into immediate upgrades without jeopardizing the chemistry and balance that have defined the team’s success over the last decade. As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Warriors’ decisions will likely reverberate throughout the NBA, impacting not only their own playoff trajectory but also the league’s broader landscape.