So, context. Youtuber Rusty Buckets just did a video on what the potential of Stephen Curry asking for a trade, where he first brainstormed on whether or not Steph should ask for a trade, did it make sense, then which teams would be the best fit for Steph if he wanted to compete now. He came to the conclusion that, if Steph really wanted to compete for one final ring, and wasn't dead set on just spending the rest of his career on one team, then a trade was the only thing that made sense for him and Golden State. He went through which teams he felt made the most sense to trade for Steph, and San Antonio was one of his final, though less likely choices. He added the caveat that he expected Steph to, more than likely ask for a trade in the offseason, rather than before the deadline.

This trade is based on that video. It assumes that the deal is made prior to the deadline, with Steph asking for an out within the next two weeks since he wants to maximize his window for competing. Though De'Aaron Fox can't be traded till Feb. 4, the trade deadline is Feb. 5, if I'm not mistaken, so this deal can be made right at the deadline if both teams wait and show patience. Even better if Steph makes it clear that he only wants to go to San Antonio, and won't really consider many other teams. The deal presented here moves no picks; this is a straight salary swap due to the circumstances of the move. Since Steph is an older player, San Antonio will be less willing to take on his contract, despite his talent, if they need to trade picks. There's also the fact that if Steph demands San Antonio, or makes it clear that he will only want to go to a competitor, this limits Golden State's flexibility in any trade, especially if they want to do right by Curry, limiting what they could ask for in a trade. However, keep in mind that San Antonio could, potentially package a pick or two to make this more enticing; I just don't see them doing that. In any case, Golden State won't be motivated by picks, since they own all their own picks, including their own firsts. So, let's get to the justifications.

First, why Golden State makes this deal: If Steph request to go to San Antonio, or even if he just says he wants to go to a team that can give him a ring, I believe that Golden State, who owe so much to him, will do right by him. San Antonio is one of the few teams that can really compete for ring and could/will probably make a move for Steph. In exchange for this, Golden State also trades some players that they aren't really getting anything out of, or who no longer fit their timeline, while getting back short one year salaries that won't weigh down their books as they rebuild. Draymond finally gets a center so that he doesn't have to play out of position. Sochan gets a team he can potentially shine on, and who could extend him after this year for a good payday. Harrison Barnes isn't Steph, but he's still an okay shooter, he's already played for the warriors, if I remember right, so he works with their system. Fox is a firecracker of a guard. He may not be Steph, but he's a perennial contender, and Golden State have seen first hand how good he can be.

Second, Why San Antonio do this deal: Its Steph Curry. Fox is younger and has a longer contract, but he's no Curry. While he'll play for longer, he won't outplay an All-Star like Steph. You are essentially trading for two years of true competition, where you will be guaranteed to be in title contention. Steph has two good years in him anyway, so you are getting the last two years of prime Steph Curry, who will be motivated to go all in for one last dance. San Antonio takes a MAJOR step in fixing their three point shooting issues. Can you imagine Steph playing together with somebody like Wemby. San Antonio would suddenly become the undisputed title favorites. And what's better, when Steph's contract does end, assuming he does retire and doesn't, say, come back on a veteran minimum contract, You have already have your guard of the future, Dylan Harper, waiting in the wings to come up behind Steph and take over. Even better, Harper would benefit greatly from sitting behind Steph and learning from him. Moody, Hield, and Horford are basically included just to make the cap and roster shift work, and motivate Golden State to move on from Steph without asking for picks in return. Moody and Hield probably don't move the needle much, and Horford is old at his point, but we don't need Horford to be our main center, and the team is good enough that Hield and Moody aren't a big deal. Maybe we'll move them later on for something else.

So, what do you think?