Proposed Warriors-Spurs trade sees San Antonio bank on Steph Curry’s retirement in 2027 originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Golden State Warriors go as Steph Curry goes in the post-Kevin Durant era. So if he goes into retirement in 2027, when his contract is up, the Warriors would likely revert to their pre-Curry days, without a backup plan.
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If a mock trade from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, involving Stephon Castle landing in the Bay Area, and Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, and a top-three protected 2028 first-round pick going to the San Antonio Spurs, were to occur, Curry’s eventual retirement would have to be the best asset for the Spurs.
Otherwise, they’d be risking giving Curry another playmaker that could keep him fresh enough to make that 2028 first-round pick a late-round selection, if Curry is convinced to hold off on his retirement.
“It won’t be the case forever, but the Warriors should still weigh all decisions by their expected impact on Stephen Curry. It’s possible they’ll only get two more cracks at the crown with him, and it might be another lifetime before their next generational great walks through the door,” Buckley wrote.
“If it’s all about Curry, Golden State should be asking questions about whether Podziemski is the right backcourt partner for him. He’s an ignitable outside shooter, quick processor and capable playmaker, but he’s also limited on defense and offensively inconsistent.
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“The Dubs might see a cleaner fit with Castle, who’s bigger, stronger, more athletic and far more resistant on the defensive end. He’s also a shakier shooter, but maybe that’s a concession Golden State would be willing to make to get its hands on the reigning Rookie of the Year.”
The Spurs were resistant to giving up Castle in trades this summer, so it’d be a shock to see the best player in a return be Podziemski.
That’d be, at least on paper at this point, a downgrade in talent with no guaranteed lottery pick on the way back.
Gregg Popovich still influences decision-making in San Antonio’s front office. A deal like this would never be signed off on.