The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a recurring and frustrating situation this NBA season. Their offensive system, which hums along efficiently when superstar Stephen Curry is on the court, grinds to a halt the moment he takes a seat. This stark dependency has become their Achilles' heel, with the bench unit struggling to generate points, ball movement stagnating, and hard-earned leads evaporating.
The Proposed Blockbuster Trade Solution
With Curry continuing to perform at an elite level, pressure is mounting on the Warriors' front office to find an immediate fix. One ambitious trade framework gaining traction in league circles involves three franchises. In this complex deal, the Golden State Warriors would acquire point guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets would receive star forward Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans, along with Warriors rookie Will Richard and a valuable unprotected first-round pick in 2028. Completing the triangle, the New Orleans Pelicans would take in a package of Golden State's promising young players: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and the Warriors' 2026 first-round selection.
Financial Framework and Contract Details
The proposed trade is financially viable under the NBA's salary cap rules. LaMelo Ball is earning $37.9 million this season, which aligns closely with Zion Williamson's $39.5 million salary. The contracts of Kuminga and the other young Warriors help balance the remaining finances.
Ball is secured through the 2028-29 season with $131 million left on his deal. Zion Williamson has $87 million remaining and is extension-eligible, making the transaction legally permissible.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Each Team
For the Warriors, the logic is clear. LaMelo Ball represents a genuine secondary playmaker who can orchestrate the offense during Curry's rest periods. The statistics are damning: Golden State scores only 106.4 points per 100 possessions when Curry is off the floor. Ball's ability to run the team, create shots for others, and maintain the flow of the Warriors' system is a direct antidote to their biggest weakness. His size also offers potential defensive benefits.
The Charlotte Hornets would exchange Ball's long-term contract for Zion Williamson's explosive scoring potential and upside. They also acquire a crucial asset for their rebuild: an unprotected 2028 first-round pick, which could be highly valuable.
The New Orleans Pelicans would move on from the persistent availability concerns surrounding Zion Williamson. In return, they receive a young core piece in Jonathan Kuminga, plus rotational depth from Moody and Podziemski, and a future first-round pick to replenish their roster.
Key Player Statistics and Risks Involved
Examining the key figures highlights the trade's stakes. In the 2025-26 season, LaMelo Ball has averaged 20.0 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game over 28 contests, though with a 41.3% field goal percentage. Zion Williamson, when healthy, projects around 25 points per game on elite ~60% shooting, but his career has been marred by limited availability, averaging only about 55 games per season.
Jonathan Kuminga, the centerpiece for New Orleans, is putting up 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 52.8% shooting this season.
The risks for Golden State are significant. They would surrender considerable depth, their top young prospects, and two future first-round picks. If Ball struggles with injury or efficiency issues, the gamble could backfire severely. Charlotte takes on similar health risks with Zion, while New Orleans trades proven elite scoring for players who require further development.
Despite the dangers, this aggressive move is arguably the most sensible path for the Warriors if they are determined to maximize the remainder of Stephen Curry's prime. It is a high-stakes attempt to extend their championship window, betting heavily on one more triumphant run.
