Boston Celtics could pursue Stephen Curry amid Golden State Warriors speculation
Speculation is emerging regarding the future of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, with reports suggesting a potential shift in his long-term alignment with the team. This has led to discussions about whether other teams, such as the Boston Celtics, might consider pursuing the veteran player.
According to reports, there is growing buzz about Curry’s potential dissatisfaction with the Warriors’ current direction. One report indicated that Curry might be “a little tired of the star-chasing” by the Warriors and could prefer to be part of the transition to the next generation of the team. Another report suggested that Warriors owner Joe Lacob is focused on building the team’s future both with and after Curry.
While these reports do not indicate that Curry explicitly wants to leave Golden State or that the team intends to move him, they highlight a potential crack in the foundation of the Curry era. For the first time, there are suggestions that Curry may not be entirely pleased with the team’s trajectory, and that ownership is looking beyond the final years of his career.
Potential Trade Scenarios
The Boston Celtics, after a recent trade involving Jaylen Brown that brought in Paul George and multiple draft picks, are seen as having assets that could be leveraged for future moves. The Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, reportedly emphasized “optionality” with these acquired assets.
One proposed trade package for Curry from the Celtics includes Paul George, the draft picks acquired from Philadelphia, and Sam Hauser. This proposal suggests that the picks would be valuable for a team undergoing a reset, and Sam Hauser‘s inclusion would help the Warriors stay under the tax threshold while providing current value.
For such a trade to materialize, certain conditions would need to be met. The trade involving Paul George‘s salary would need to wait until a specific date, and the Celtics would need confidence in young players like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, or Jordan Walsh to fill significant roles.
Another team mentioned in trade discussions is the Charlotte Hornets, particularly given Curry’s ties to Charlotte, where he grew up. The Hornets are in a unique position to make a sentimental play for Curry, who has often expressed fondness for his hometown.
The idea of Curry returning to Charlotte has been a recurring topic among fans. The Hornets are seen by some as having the assets and potential willingness to acquire a veteran star. Curry has previously mentioned Charlotte as a possible landing spot outside of Golden State.
Considerations for Golden State and Charlotte
For the Golden State Warriors, trading Curry would be a significant decision, especially after their unsuccessful attempt to acquire LeBron James. While the team is currently seen as a middling contender in the Western Conference, moving Curry could provide valuable draft picks and help facilitate a rebuild.
However, trading a player of Curry’s stature could also present a public relations challenge for the Warriors. The return in terms of draft capital would need to be substantial to justify the impact of trading a franchise icon. There are also questions about whether the Warriors would receive enough high-value assets, particularly if the Hornets are reluctant to include key young players like Brandon Miller or Kon Knueppel.
For the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring Curry could align with their schematic goals, as the team aims to emphasize three-point shooting and rebounding. A potential lineup with Curry could significantly boost their offensive capabilities from beyond the arc. Additionally, bringing Curry to Charlotte could positively impact the team’s public perception, especially after recent roster changes.
Conversely, some argue that trading for Curry might not align with the Hornets’ long-term strategy of building through draft capital. The team has invested significantly in acquiring future assets, and giving them up for a veteran star could be seen as a premature move, potentially jeopardizing their future prospects. There are also concerns about how Curry’s arrival might affect the leadership structure and roles of existing young players.
Ultimately, any trade involving Stephen Curry would be a significant development. Curry, who is 38 and on an expiring $62.6 million contract, is eligible for an extension on August 29.
Source: si.com
