NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors on 'Real Hunt' for Star to Pair with Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors are focused on adding a star that fits with Stephen Curry prior to the trade deadline, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

"I'm told that the Warriors are on the real hunt for a star, a playmaker, a scorer alongside Stephen Curry," Charania said during a Friday appearance on NBA Today.

The Warriors currently sit at 13-8 to open the year and the possible acquisition of a high-level teammate for Curry could propel them even further up the Western Conference standings.

It's been an impressive start for Golden State, with the team owning a 4-1 record in the five games that the superstar point guard has missed this year.

Sign-and-trade addition Buddy Hield is shooting 42.8 percent from three on 7.6 long-range attempts each night, while Andrew Wiggins' scoring average of 17.5 points per game is his highest mark since the 2020-21 season.

Still, Wiggins operating as the Warriors' second-leading scorer may not be enough for them to contend for a title after failing to reach the Western Conference Finals in two years since their last championship in 2022. Especially considering De'Anthony Melton, who averaged 10.3 points per game to open the year, suffered a season-ending torn ACL.

Golden State was reportedly interested in Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen during the summer, but his eventual extension agreement means that he can't be dealt until the 2025 offseason.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Sept. 12 that the Warriors "have interest" in Jimmy Butler, as the two-way impact of the Miami Heat forward projects as a seamless fit alongside Curry.

It shouldn't be too difficult for Golden State to find a star teammate that aligns with the point guard given his ability to draw extra defensive attention and space the floor. He's averaging 22.6 points and 6.6 assists per game to begin the year, shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from behind the arc.

As the Warriors attempt to pursue their fifth championship with Curry, they're expected to be working the phones ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.