Warriors Have a Backup Plan If Steve Ballmer Blocks Another Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Golden State Warriors are making it clear: they want to win now, and they’re willing to get creative to do it. But one of their biggest targets comes with a massive roadblock—Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Golden State checked in on Kawhi Leonard ahead of the trade deadline, only to have Ballmer shut down any conversation. The Clippers’ owner has maintained a firm stance against moving the star forward, preferring to build around him despite the team’s inconsistent results.

So why would the Warriors keep pushing?

Team sources tell Slater that Leonard remains the exact type of established wing talent the Warriors would pursue in a win-now move—if the price is right. The problem is that Ballmer isn’t budging. League sources say the Clippers’ owner has held the line, and there’s no indication that will change heading into the offseason.

Still, the Warriors are reportedly prepared to do whatever it takes. The dream scenario: pairing Leonard with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, while keeping Green out of any trade package. But with Ballmer playing hardball, that dream may stay just out of reach.

Fortunately for Golden State, there’s a younger, cheaper alternative already on their radar.

Enter Trey Murphy III.

The 25-year-old Pelicans wing has been circled by the Warriors’ front office for years, according to league sources. Murphy fits the system Steve Kerr runs, addresses a clear need on the wing, and—at his age—helps the roster get younger. The Pelicans have kept most of their wings off the trade market, but New Orleans has a strong desire to get into the first round of this year’s draft, which could open the door for a deal.

Murphy isn’t the superstar name fans might crave, but he’s a high-floor player who could slot into a contending rotation immediately. And unlike the Leonard scenario, this one feels plausible.

For now, the Warriors are in wait-and-see mode. Leonard is the splash. Murphy is the backup light. But in either case, the message is clear: Golden State isn’t done adding pieces around Curry.