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Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have opened the 2025–26 season at 5–4 — steady, but not exactly dominant for a team still chasing championship relevance.

There’s already been talk about how this roster could evolve, and two intriguing ideas have surfaced that would reshape their depth and identity. One involves a potential trade for Trey Murphy III. The other is a bold free agency move for former All-Star Ben Simmons.

Trey Murphy Seen as Dream Trade Target for Warriors

With the New Orleans Pelicans stumbling to a 2–6 start, Murphy has been floated as a dream trade target for Golden State. Will Eudy of Blue Man Hoop highlighted the 6-foot-8 wing as a near-perfect fit — a long, athletic defender who can stretch the floor and create shots when needed.

Murphy’s mix of length, shooting, and switchability makes him the kind of piece the Warriors have thrived with during their dynasty years. He can guard multiple positions, space the floor for Stephen Curry, and give Steve Kerr more lineup flexibility.

Golden State already boosted its scoring punch last season by adding Jimmy Butler, a proven bucket-getter with toughness and leadership. But in a Western Conference loaded with wings, the Warriors could still use one more athletic perimeter presence to balance their roster.

Murphy fits that mold. He’d give Kerr another defensive weapon to throw at elite scorers and a high-efficiency shooter who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. If New Orleans decides to make a move, this would be one of the most natural trade fits on the market.

Warriors Also Urged to Consider Ben Simmons in Free Agency

While Eudy’s trade idea focuses on the wing position, Peter O’Keefe of Blue Man Hoop suggested the Warriors explore an entirely different direction — signing Ben Simmons, a 3x All-Star who remains a free agent.

It’s a bold concept, but not without logic. Simmons has struggled in recent years due to injuries and confidence issues, yet his defensive versatility and playmaking instincts still make him a fascinating reclamation project. In Golden State’s system — one built on movement, reads, and feel — he might finally rediscover his rhythm.

O’Keefe proposed that the Warriors could open a roster spot by moving on from Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has appeared in just seven games and logged 26 total minutes this season.

Golden State Could Create Roster Space for Ben Simmons

Jackson-Davis is earning $2.2 million this season, with only $100,000 guaranteed until January 10, per Spotrac. That flexibility could allow Golden State to pivot if they decide Simmons’ upside is worth a flyer.

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report ranked Simmons as the second-best free agent currently available, behind Malik Beasley. The former No. 1 overall pick reportedly spoke with teams like the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings over the summer but is still unsigned.

Simmons would bring elite size, ball-handling, and defensive versatility to a roster that values high-IQ, unselfish players. Even if he’s no longer the star he once was, he could still serve as a situational playmaker and frontcourt defender — a role that might fit him better than trying to lead an offense outright.

The Warriors’ Bottom Line

The Warriors are always a team that thinks ahead, and both ideas — Murphy and Simmons — speak to that. Murphy represents the ideal long-term piece to extend the core’s window. Simmons, meanwhile, would be a low-cost bet on talent and experience.

Neither move may happen soon, but both reflect the same mindset: Golden State is still searching for the perfect mix around Curry, Butler, and Green. Whether through a smart trade or a calculated risk, the Warriors remain one creative move away from shaking up the Western Conference.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins