Warriors Could Be Celtics’ Biggest Threat If Insane Trade Rumors Are True

The Celtics hope to become the first repeat NBA champion since the Golden State Warriors, who ironically could make a splash move to get in Boston’s way.

NBA teams were still collecting themselves after the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster trade came days before the trade deadline and had many wondering if there was more to come; the San Antonio Spurs also acquired De’Aaron Fox in a blockbuster deal.

The Warriors are trying to find ways to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s career and could try to call LA to see if it’s interested in another shocking move. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted Golden State as a team to keep an eye on before the trade deadline. The NBA insider wrote Tuesday that the Dubs “investigated” whether they could get Kevin Durant back, and Windhorst also noted they tried to get LeBron James last season.

Why not both? That’s an idea the Warriors flirted with.

“That would require quite the masterstroke,” The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer wrote Monday. “And while pulling that off currently stands as very unlikely, both from a salary-matching and asset valuation standpoint, this is the sort of big-game hunting that has defined these Warriors.”

President of basketball operations Brandon Schneider and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. would need to get very creative to make that work financially.

The Warriors also were a rumored Jimmy Butler suitor. But those talks stalled after the Miami Heat star reportedly told Golden State he wouldn’t sign an extension. Butler reportedly wants to go to the Phoenix Suns, who would need to part with Bradley Beal’s hefty contract. A massive multi-team trade would be required if all parties get what they want.

You don’t have to be a basketball expert to understand how formidable a Curry, Durant and James trio would be. Head coach Steve Kerr’s done well to get the most out of his younger players, so the Warriors could be better positioned than the Lakers with Doncic to take down the Celtics. Boston fans can only hope that the Warriors fail in their pursuit of getting Curry more help.