Could decimated Warriors consider trading Steph Curry?

The team has only rookie Will Richard and Brandin Podziemski under contract for next season, with at least seven roster spots to fill. Assuming the Warriors pick late in the lottery and keep their selection, they'll need to add six players with only $28-29M to spend below the luxury tax line, or $36-37M under the first apron.

De'Anthony Melton deserves a raise from his veterans' minimum salary. Kristaps Porzingis is hitting unrestricted free agency and Al Horford holds a $6M player option for next year. It's difficult to imagine the Warriors cobbling together a competitive roster given their financial restrictions and injured players.

Steph Curry might choose loyalty over chasing rings

It's hard to imagine the Warriors trading Curry, unless their star outright asks for a trade. He recently told The Athletic that he wasn't considering retirement, because he enjoyed "chasing something that matters," which may not be possible with next year's Warriors. At the same time, he's won four rings, holds the NBA's three-point shooting record and seemingly has little to prove.

The one possibility that could appeal to Curry is a move to his hometown Charlotte Hornets, who recently retired the No. 30 jersey of his father, Dell Curry. With a young core, future picks and intriguing talent to trade, plus the financial flexibility to accommodate a big contract, it's the one place Curry could compete while not feeling like a hired gun.

However, it's more likely that the Warriors trade Green, who is making $27.7M next season and whose offensive performance has noticeably slipped. Still, he remains an excellent defensive player. In an offseason short on impact free agents, Green could be a player who puts a playoff team over the top.

The Warriors need to make tough choices this summer. Trading Curry would be the toughest choice, but perhaps the best option for both the player and his longtime team.