NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to sign $204 million Charlotte Hornets superstar in blockbuster 3-way deal involving New Orleans Pelicans

The Golden State Warriors are stuck in a familiar problem. When Stephen Curry is on the floor, the offense works. When he sits, it doesn’t. The bench struggles to score, the ball stops moving, and leads disappear. With Curry still playing at a high level, the front office is under pressure to act now.One trade idea gaining attention is a three-team deal that would bring LaMelo Ball to Golden State, send Zion Williamson to Charlotte, and move several Warriors young players to New Orleans. It’s a major swing, but it directly targets Golden State’s biggest weakness.In this proposal, the Golden State Warriors get LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets receive Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans, along with Warriors rookie Will Richard and an unprotected 2028 first-round pick. The Pelicans take in Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Golden State’s 2026 first-round pick. The money works. Ball earns $37.9 million this season, close to Zion’s $39.5 million. Kuminga and the other young contracts balance the rest. Ball is signed through the 2028–29 season with $131 million remaining. Zion has $87 million left and is eligible for an extension, keeping the deal legal under current cap rules.For Golden State Warriors, LaMelo Ball gives them a real offense without Curry. The Warriors score just 106.4 points per 100 possessions when Curry is off the floor. Ball can run the team, create shots, and keep the system intact. His size also helps defensively. The cost is heavy, but the fit is clear.Charlotte swaps Ball’s long-term contract for Zion’s scoring and upside. They also gain a valuable 2028 unprotected pick, which matters for a team still rebuilding.New Orleans moves on from Zion’s availability concerns and adds multiple young players. Kuminga becomes the centerpiece, with Moody and Podziemski adding depth, plus a 2026 first-round pick to reload the roster.The Golden State Warriors give up depth, youth, and two future picks. If Ball struggles with efficiency or injuries, the risk looks severe. Charlotte faces similar health concerns with Zion. New Orleans loses elite scoring for players who still need time.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers potentially eyeing $80 million Houston Rockets star to for iconic trio with LeBron James and Luka DoncicStill, this move makes the most sense for Golden State. It’s a clear attempt to keep the Curry era alive, even if it means betting big on one more run.