Mock Trade Sends Warriors' Brandin Podziemski to Spurs for Former No. 4 Overall Pick

Instead, Golden State has dealt with the ongoing situation surrounding restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga which has caused them to miss out on multiple free agent targets.

Despite this, it has been reported that the Warriors do have deals in place with multiple free agents, including Al Horford, that are expected to be finalized after Kuminga’s situation is resolved.

While that may be the case, the Warriors are running out of options in free agency to upgrade their roster and they may have to turn to the trade market to land another key player.

Warriors predicted to land Stephon Castle from Spurs

With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently released a mock trade that would see the Warriors land an emerging star from the San Antonio Spurs.

In the trade, Golden State would send Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos and a top-three protected 2028 first-round pick to San Antonio in exchange for Stephon Castle.

On paper, this trade looks like a great one for the Warriors as they would land an emerging star in Castle who impressed during his rookie season last year en route to being named Rookie of the Year.

Despite this, the Spurs have shown no interest in moving on from the former fourth overall pick and they would likely want a much larger trade package than the one Buckley has the Warriors sending them.

If the Warriors were somehow able to pull off this trade, it could work out well for them, though moving Podziemski would be a tough thing for them to do.

Castle is an elite defender for his age and while he did struggle with his outside shooting during his rookie campaign, he is still young enough to develop into a solid three-point shooter that could excel alongside Curry in the backcourt.

The 20-year-old guard would also give the Warriors a much-needed young star to build around in the future once Curry, Butler and Green retire, especially with Kuminga’s future in Golden State uncertain.

While this trade could work out well for the Warriors, it is highly unlikely that the Spurs will move Castle anytime soon, especially as they try to return to being a contender in the Western Conference.