NBA Rumors: Warriors Want 'Star Wing' Alongside Curry amid LeBron James Trade Buzz

The Golden State Warriors are already forming a wish list as they consider ways to improve the roster around Stephen Curry in the offseason.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne dropped a blockbuster report Wednesday, writing that Golden State approached both the Los Angeles Lakers and representatives for star LeBron James to see whether it could bring James to the Bay Area ahead of the trade deadline.

During an appearance on 95.7 The Game, The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported the Warriors broadly "have been on the search for a potential No. 2 next to Steph" and "want a legitimate star wing."

Golden State was linked with Pascal Siakam prior to the deadline before the Toronto Raptors dealt him to the Indiana Pacers. Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray was mentioned as a possibility as well, though the notion was largely dismissed.

Once the deadline passed, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. alluded to the pressure the front office feels to capitalize on what's left of Curry's career. However, he also expressed his faith in the roster as currently constructed.

Doing something as drastic as trading for James certainly runs counter to the idea the Warriors have enough already to achieve big things.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the wing is the area of biggest need.

Andrew Wiggins isn't the same player who was an All-Star in 2021-22 and a key factor in Golden State winning the NBA Finals. Klay Thompson is likewise a diminished version of his peak self to the point where it's no sure thing he sticks around once he hits free agency.

The problem for Dunleavy will be the same in the summer as it was approaching the deadline. The Warriors simply don't have a lot to sell.

First-round picks in 2026 and 2028 could be enticing given how much Golden State is pushing all in. A lot can change toward the franchise's outlook within the next three or four years.

Beyond that, the cupboard is pretty bare. Wiggins is a bit of a distressed asset now. Jonathan Kuminga has undoubtedly taken a step forward this year but isn't a surefire franchise talent. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody are a level below that.

While the Brooklyn Nets didn't get equal value back when they traded away Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges was a proven two-way star with playoff experience. The haul the Toronto Raptors got in the swap headlined by OG Anunoby (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) might even surpass the Warriors' hypothetical best package.

Not to mention, Dunleavy has to weigh the benefits of landing a "star wing" versus the cost. Adding James or Durant may not actually raise the Warriors' ceiling that high if they forfeit most or all of their depth.