7-Time All-Star Named Warriors Trade Target if Giannis Plan Fails

Golden State Warriors could once again find themselves chasing a blockbuster move this offseason as the franchise looks for ways to extend its championship window around Stephen Curry.

A recent analysis from Bleacher Report suggests another superstar guard could emerge as a realistic fallback option if the Warriors fail to land their top target, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

NBA analyst Dan Favale named Donovan Mitchell as one of Golden State’s most intriguing potential trade targets if the Cavaliers fall short again in the playoffs and uncertainty surrounds Mitchell’s future in Cleveland.

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Donovan Mitchell Could Become Warriors’ Contingency Superstar Target

Favale wrote that Mitchell’s age and offensive production make him an appealing option for Golden State if Antetokounmpo ultimately remains with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Going on 30 in September, Donovan Mitchell is young enough (or close to it) for the Warriors to peddle him as their ticket to immediate contention and bridge into the future,” Favale wrote.

Favale suggested Golden State could be watching the postseason closely, hoping the Cleveland Cavaliers fall short and begin reconsidering their long-term roster construction.

“They should cross their fingers for the Cleveland Cavaliers flame out of the playoffs, again, and open themselves up to an offseason roster-razing,” Favale wrote.

The idea would be simple: pair one of the league’s most explosive scoring guards with Curry in what could instantly become one of the NBA’s most dynamic backcourts.

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Mitchell’s Contract Situation Could Shape Cavaliers’ Offseason

Mitchell’s contract timeline is one reason the scenario has gained traction among league observers.

The seven-time All-Star is set to play next season on a deal worth roughly $50 million and holds a $53.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. More importantly, he becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on July 7.

If Cleveland fails to deliver a convincing playoff run, that date could become a pivotal moment for the franchise.

Veteran insider Brian Windhorst suggested the Cavaliers’ recent roster decision — trading 26-year-old Darius Garland for a 36-year-old James Harden — may reflect growing concerns about Mitchell’s willingness to commit long-term.

“The key here is that the Cavs are moving away from believing in the Core 4,” Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland. “And I think the genesis of this is because they’re worried that Donovan is not going to re-sign this summer.”

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Warriors Could Build Around a Curry-Mitchell Offensive Duo

Favale acknowledged that pairing Curry and Mitchell would raise immediate questions about defense. Both guards thrive offensively and are most effective with the ball in their hands.

Still, Favale believes the Warriors’ offensive upside could outweigh those concerns.

“What about the defense?!” Favale wrote, anticipating critics of the potential pairing.

“That is fair. And also immaterial. The offense will be dynamite.”

Golden State could theoretically offset those defensive concerns by retaining key defensive anchors such as Draymond Green and surrounding the backcourt with versatile defenders.

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Mitchell Is in the Middle of Another Elite Season

Mitchell remains one of the NBA’s premier offensive guards and continues to elevate his résumé.

Now a seven-time All-Star, Mitchell is averaging 28.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game this season while continuing to anchor Cleveland’s offense.

The explosive scorer has been the centerpiece of the Cavaliers since arriving via trade from the Utah Jazz in 2022 and has repeatedly delivered elite playoff performances.

That production is exactly why any potential trade would require a massive return.

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Warriors Still Expected to Pursue Major Offseason Moves

Whether Golden State ultimately targets Antetokounmpo, Mitchell or another superstar, the franchise appears determined to remain aggressive as long as Curry continues to play at an elite level.

The Warriors still possess young talent and draft assets that could become valuable trade currency should a star become available.

If Cleveland’s playoff run ends in disappointment and Mitchell’s extension talks stall, Golden State could suddenly emerge as one of the most fascinating potential landing spots for the All-NBA guard.

For a franchise determined to maximize the final years of Curry’s career, the possibility of adding another superstar may once again dominate the offseason conversation.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo