Warriors Predicted to Pull Off Blockbuster Trade for $90.72M Star to Go All-In on Championship Window
The Golden State Warriors are back in the NBA headlines with a potentially seismic trade looming. According to recent reports, the franchise is predicted to pursue a blockbuster deal for Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, a $90.72 million star who could redefine Golden State’s interior presence and championship outlook.
After a disappointing 2024–25 campaign marked by injuries, inconsistent frontcourt production, and aging stars, the Warriors are not waiting for a slow rebuild. Instead, they are positioning themselves to go all-in on what may be the final years of Stephen Curry’s championship window.
Why Jarrett Allen?
Jarrett Allen, a 26-year-old All-Star caliber center, brings elite rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll proficiency. At 6’11” with a 7’5” wingspan, Allen averaged 14.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season while shooting 64% from the field. His defensive presence in the paint and ability to switch on pick-and-rolls make him a modern big man perfectly suited for Golden State’s high-IQ, switch-heavy defensive schemes.
More importantly, Allen fills a critical need after the Warriors waived veteran center Kevon Looney, who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. Without a true starting-caliber big on the roster, acquiring Allen would solve their interior defense issues and provide a reliable lob target and screen-setter for Curry and newly acquired star Jimmy Butler III.
The Deal in Motion
The trade speculation centers around a package that would likely include:
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Andrew Wiggins (owed $54 million through 2026),
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Moses Moody or another young asset,
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Possibly future first-round picks,
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And salary fillers to match Allen’s $20+ million annual contract.
Wiggins has had a volatile run since helping Golden State win the 2022 title. His inconsistency and contract have made him expendable in the team’s current calculations. Packaging him for a rising star like Allen would signify a clear strategic shift: sacrificing wing depth for elite size and interior strength.
What This Means for Golden State
The potential addition of Allen would elevate the Warriors’ new-look core:
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Stephen Curry (37) – still elite, still the heartbeat.
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Jimmy Butler III (35) – newly acquired wing ready for a final title run.
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Draymond Green (35) – defensive anchor and veteran enforcer.
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Jarrett Allen (26) – young, athletic big man entering his prime.
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Jonathan Kuminga / Brandin Podziemski – emerging talents rounding out the rotation.
Head Coach Steve Kerr has openly acknowledged that the team must evolve. Gone are the days of small-ball dominance; today’s Warriors need size, versatility, and a retooled identity that blends youth with veteran grit.
Allen’s presence would provide exactly that.
Risk and Reward
While a trade for Allen would bring immediate upside, it carries risk. The Warriors would thin out their perimeter depth and take on the remainder of Allen’s 5-year, $100 million contract signed in 2021. Still, for a team clearly operating on a short timeline to win another ring with Curry and Green, the upside outweighs the cost.
Moreover, Allen’s age and skill set ensure he could be a long-term asset, not just a short-term rental.
Around the League: A Message
Should this deal materialize, the Warriors would send a clear message to the rest of the NBA: They’re not done yet.
Despite the rise of younger powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, and the ongoing dominance of the Nuggets and Celtics, Golden State’s leadership is determined to squeeze one more title from the golden era that began over a decade ago.
As NBA free agency and trade season heats up, all eyes will be on the Bay Area. If the Warriors land Jarrett Allen, the Western Conference will have to prepare for a resurgent Golden State with both firepower and force in the paint.
