Warriors Trade Idea Reunites Stephen Curry With $194 Million Ex-Thunder MVP

In the high-stakes world of NBA roster building, some ideas are so bold, so seemingly improbable, that they ignite equal parts debate and intrigue. As the Golden State Warriors look to retool their aging core around Stephen Curry, one such scenario has emerged: a potential trade that would reunite Curry with former Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Russell Westbrook — a player who’s earned over $194 million in his NBA career and continues to divide opinion like few others.

On the surface, the thought of Westbrook in a Warriors jersey might seem outlandish, even heretical, given the playoff battles between Golden State and Oklahoma City during the mid-2010s. Yet, with the Warriors front office facing a fork in the road, and Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers on uncertain ground, the fit — strange as it may seem — warrants a deeper look.

Why This Trade Idea Is Gaining Steam

For starters, Golden State is facing a looming crossroads. With Klay Thompson entering unrestricted free agency, Draymond Green aging, and a supporting cast riddled with inconsistency, the Warriors are no longer the juggernaut that terrorized the league for nearly a decade. The 2024-25 season may very well be Stephen Curry’s last prime year — a fact not lost on general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. or head coach Steve Kerr.

While some analysts believe the Warriors should tear it all down and rebuild around younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, others argue the franchise owes it to Curry to push all-in for another championship run. That’s where Westbrook enters the conversation.

According to league sources, internal discussions around bringing in a high-energy, veteran guard have grown louder in the Warriors front office. And with the Clippers unsure about Westbrook’s long-term role — especially with James Harden now dominating the ball and their youth movement underway — the idea of flipping pieces like Chris Paul’s expiring deal and a draft pick to acquire Westbrook is not off the table.

Revisiting the Curry-Westbrook History

The irony of a Curry-Westbrook pairing isn’t lost on anyone who remembers the 2016 Western Conference Finals. That seven-game battle between the Warriors and Thunder remains one of the most iconic series of the decade. After trailing 3–1, Golden State stormed back to win three straight and eventually went on to sign Kevin Durant — Westbrook’s then-teammate and co-star — in a move that reshaped the NBA.

Westbrook, long known for his aggressive style and fiery demeanor, was often painted as Curry’s antithesis. While Curry changed the game with finesse, range, and joyful brilliance, Westbrook played with raw emotion, relentless energy, and explosive athleticism. Their on-court rivalry was as real as it gets.

But that was nearly a decade ago.

Today, Westbrook is no longer the alpha dog averaging a triple-double. He’s a veteran guard who has embraced a supporting role, especially during his time with the Clippers. His ability to come off the bench, provide instant energy, and guard opposing point guards has kept him relevant even as his athleticism declines.

How Westbrook Could Fit With the Warriors

So, could a Curry-Westbrook backcourt actually work in 2025?

It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

One of the Warriors’ biggest issues this past season was their lack of consistent rim pressure and transition offense. With Jordan Poole gone and Chris Paul struggling to keep up defensively, the Warriors often looked slow and predictable in the half court. Westbrook — despite being 36 — still possesses the burst to get downhill and push the pace.

In a bench role, Westbrook could operate as the second-unit floor general, allowing Curry to rest while still keeping the offense aggressive. On nights when the Warriors need a jolt of energy, he could share the floor with Curry and create chaos for opposing defenses with his driving ability and passing vision.

Defensively, Westbrook isn’t what he once was, but he still brings intensity. He would likely benefit from the Warriors’ switch-heavy scheme and could even take on the challenge of guarding bigger wings, allowing Curry to hide defensively.

Financial Mechanics of the Deal

Westbrook is currently on a team-friendly deal with the Clippers — a two-year, $7.8 million contract with a player option for 2025-26. If the Warriors wanted to acquire him, the easiest path would involve trading Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed $30 million expiring contract. The Clippers, seeking financial flexibility and additional assets, might be inclined to accept that package if it includes a future second-round pick or young player.

From Golden State’s perspective, the move would be low-risk. Paul has failed to mesh with their system, and flipping him for a more dynamic, cost-effective player like Westbrook would allow the Warriors to address multiple needs without taking on long-term salary.

Stephen Curry’s Role in All of This

Make no mistake — nothing happens in Golden State without Stephen Curry’s blessing.

Curry has long been known as one of the most selfless superstars in the NBA. His ability to coexist with other high-usage players like Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and even Andrew Wiggins is well-documented. He’s a master at adapting his game to allow others to thrive.

If the Warriors pursue Westbrook, it would signal Curry’s willingness to embrace a gritty, unconventional path back to contention. And if recent interviews are any indication, Curry remains laser-focused on winning one more title before hanging it up.

A Westbrook trade would also provide Curry with something he’s lacked over the past two seasons — a running mate who can generate offense without needing elaborate screens or off-ball action. For all of Westbrook’s flaws, he remains one of the most unpredictable players in the league — a trait the Warriors’ system could benefit from in short bursts.

Potential Concerns

Of course, there are risks.

Westbrook’s shot selection has long been a topic of criticism, and his inability to space the floor is a legitimate concern. In a system built around shooting and movement, spacing issues could become magnified.

His turnovers — often a byproduct of his high-risk, high-reward playstyle — could also frustrate a team that values discipline and precision. There’s also the question of ego. While Westbrook has accepted smaller roles in recent years, there’s no guarantee that he’d be content in a backup role for an extended playoff run.

Finally, chemistry cannot be forced. The idea of two former rivals teaming up late in their careers is romantic, sure — but reality doesn’t always play nice with nostalgia.

What the NBA World is Saying

Across social media, the hypothetical Westbrook-to-Warriors trade has sparked a wide range of opinions.

Some fans are thrilled at the idea of two all-time greats teaming up in a final push for glory. Others see it as a recipe for chaos, pointing to Westbrook’s fit issues on past superteams in Houston, Washington, and Los Angeles.

Former NBA players like Matt Barnes and Kendrick Perkins have voiced support for the idea, noting that Westbrook’s intensity and leadership could be the exact spark the Warriors need. Others, like ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, have warned that stylistic conflicts could quickly derail the experiment.

Either way, the discussion underscores just how uncertain the Warriors’ future has become — and how desperate they may be to maximize what’s left of Curry’s prime.

A Full Circle Moment?

There’s something poetic about the idea of Westbrook and Curry — two icons whose careers have intersected in so many ways — joining forces to chase one last ring.

Both players have faced doubts about their longevity. Both have evolved their games as they’ve aged. Both have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. A reunion at this stage of their careers would be a full-circle moment unlike any other in modern NBA history.

More importantly, it would show the league that the Warriors are still willing to take bold swings — even if it means embracing the unlikely.

The Verdict

The idea of the Warriors trading for Russell Westbrook is certainly unconventional, but in a league where superstars change teams more frequently than ever, nothing is off the table.

It would be a short-term gamble with high volatility, but also one with the potential to create a storybook ending for one of the NBA’s most compelling eras. Stephen Curry may not need a traditional point guard next to him — but perhaps, in his final act, he could use a warrior in spirit to fight alongside him.

Whether it happens or not, the conversation itself proves one thing: the Golden State Warriors are not done chasing greatness. And if they want one last ride, they may just call on an old rival to help them get there.