The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to making seismic moves in the NBA, and with their championship window narrowing, they’re poised to strike again. After a gritty second-round playoff exit last season, Golden State is eyeing a blockbuster acquisition to bolster their roster and keep pace in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. With Stephen Curry still dazzling at an elite level, Jimmy Butler thriving as the perfect No. 2 star, and Draymond Green locking down opponents as one of the league’s premier defenders, the Warriors are tantalizingly close to contention. But one glaring weakness remains: a dominant big man who can anchor the paint and stretch the floor. Enter Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, the 29-year-old free agent who could be the missing piece—and the Warriors might just sacrifice young star Jonathan Kuminga to make it happen.
A Contention Window Closing Fast
Last season proved the Warriors still have the firepower to compete with the West’s best. Despite falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round—hampered by a nagging hamstring injury to Curry in Game 1—Golden State showed they’re not far from hoisting another Larry O’Brien Trophy. Curry, much like his generational peer LeBron James, continues to defy Father Time with a pristine bill of health and a game that remains unguardable. Butler, acquired in a bold trade before last season’s deadline, has seamlessly slotted in as a two-way force, complementing Curry’s brilliance with his own brand of tenacity. Meanwhile, Green’s defensive wizardry ensures the Warriors remain a nightmare for opposing offenses.
With a projected two-year window to chase another title, the Warriors are expected to go all-in this summer, leveraging every ounce of salary cap flexibility to make a splash in free agency or the trade market. Their most pressing need? A versatile big man who can protect the rim and knock down threes, especially in lineups featuring Butler and Green, which lacked consistent floor-spacing last season.
Myles Turner: The Perfect Fit
Enter Myles Turner, the Indiana Pacers’ 29-year-old center who’s set to hit free agency on June 30. Fresh off a two-year, $41 million contract, Turner is primed to command an even bigger payday—and he checks every box for the Warriors. A proven rim protector with a silky three-point stroke, Turner averaged 17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game last season while shooting 35.8% from deep. His ability to anchor the paint and stretch defenses would unlock new dimensions for Golden State’s offense, giving Curry and Butler more room to operate while fortifying the team’s interior defense alongside Green.
“Turner would be all-caps AWESOME on this team,” Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report gushed on June 25. “Coach Steve Kerr might coax even more three-point splashes out of the big fella.” Turner’s fit in Golden State’s system is undeniable—he’s a modern big man who can thrive in Kerr’s pace-and-space philosophy, switching on defense and bombing away from beyond the arc. His addition could elevate the Warriors from playoff hopefuls to legitimate title contenders.
The Kuminga Conundrum
There’s just one catch: the Warriors’ limited cap space means signing Turner outright is a pipe dream. To land him, Golden State would likely need to orchestrate a sign-and-trade, and that’s where things get spicy. Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old athletic marvel who’s shown flashes of star potential, could be the centerpiece of a deal to bring Turner to the Bay Area. Kuminga’s upside is tantalizing—his explosive dunks and improving perimeter game make him a fan favorite—but his fit alongside Butler and Green has been clunky at times, and his restricted free agency status complicates his future with the team.
A sign-and-trade involving Kuminga could be the key to unlocking Turner’s arrival. The Pacers, who reached the NBA Finals in 2025 but fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder, might be enticed by Kuminga’s youth and potential as they look to retool around Tyrese Haliburton. Pairing Kuminga with draft picks or other assets could seal the deal, but it’s a gamble for Golden State. Trading a rising star for a proven veteran is a bold move, one that underscores the Warriors’ urgency to maximize Curry’s prime.
A Championship-or-Bust Mentality
The Warriors know the clock is ticking. With Curry, Butler, and Green leading the charge, Golden State is all-in on chasing another title before their core ages out. Turner’s combination of rim protection, shooting, and playoff experience could be the final piece of the puzzle, creating a lineup that’s as versatile as it is lethal. Imagine a closing unit of Curry, Butler, Green, Turner, and a sharpshooting wing like Buddy Hield or Dennis Schröder—good luck finding a weakness there.
As the NBA world waits to see how Golden State navigates the offseason, one thing is clear: the Warriors are ready to shock the league again. If they can pull off a sign-and-trade for Turner, even at the cost of Kuminga, they’ll send a message that they’re not just contending—they’re coming for the crown.