Warriors Big 3 with Curry Butler and Beal? Golden State is a franchise built on dynasties — the 1975 underdogs, and, of course, the 2015–18 juggernaut and 2022 champions anchored by Stephen Curry. Today, in the 2024–25 season, Curry led a squad that went 48–34, earned the 7th seed, and took the Wolves to six games in the West semis before bowing out.
Despite the early playoff exit, that late-season surge — especially after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler — reignited hope. Butler’s impact was immediate: Golden State was 25–26 before his arrival, and 23–8 afterward. The offense surged, the defense tightened, and playoff basketball looked attainable again.
But what if they go even bolder — adding Bradley Beal to form a new “Big 3”? Rumors were circulating this week that it may not be that far fetched. Let’s explore how realistic that is and whether it could make them instant championship contenders.
1. The Beal Buzz: Realistic or Fantasy?
Rumors have linked Bradley Beal to Golden State, should the Phoenix Suns pursue a buyout or trade. Beal’s contract — around $110 million over two years, plus a player option — and his no-trade clause make this tricky. But whispers of buyout discussions have surfaced, and the Warriors are reportedly monitoring the situation. Yahoo Sports has hinted that multiple teams, including Golden State, would be interested if Beal becomes a free agent.
Financially, it would be a tight fit. But Warriors owner Joe Lacob has previously shown a willingness to exceed the luxury tax. If Beal hits the market, Golden State could pounce with a creative cap strategy.
2. What Beal Adds to the Mix
Beal, a three-time All-Star, brings scoring punch and versatility. Though his Phoenix stint didn’t meet expectations, he remains a reliable 20+ PPG scorer who can shoot off the dribble, work off-ball, and draw attention away from Curry.
In a trio with Curry and Butler:
- Spacing becomes elite.
- Secondary creation improves dramatically.
- Offensive balance becomes harder to defend.
And most importantly, Beal can help carry the load if Curry or Butler miss time — something that plagued the Warriors in the 2025 playoffs.
3. Cap Space & Roster Maneuvering
To add Beal, Golden State would likely need him to accept a lower contract following a buyout — then use a mid-level exception or similar mechanism. It might mean moving on from players like Gary Payton II, Chris Paul (if retained), or even young assets like Moses Moody or Jonathan Kuminga.
It would be a challenge, but not an impossibility. The team would need to weigh short-term gain versus long-term roster depth.
4. Do They Fit Together?
On paper, Curry, Butler, and Beal all complement each other. Curry’s gravity opens lanes for Butler to slash and Beal to shoot. Butler brings the grit and defense; Beal and Curry space the floor.
The question is: can they all thrive without clashing roles? Butler thrives with the ball; Beal is at his best in rhythm; Curry can adapt to anything — but chemistry isn’t automatic. Head coach Steve Kerr would need to define roles clearly and early.
5. Would They Be Championship Favorites?
Offense: Top 5 potential. Curry’s brilliance, Butler’s clutch ability, and Beal’s scoring depth would make for a nightmare matchup.
Defense: Above average, especially with Draymond Green and Butler’s intensity. Beal is serviceable, and the team would still have Kevon Looney, Payton II (if retained), and Kuminga to support rotations.
Depth: The big concern. Depth would be sacrificed to form the Big 3 unless the Warriors find savvy veterans willing to chase a ring for cheap.
Injuries: Curry is 37. Butler will be 36. Beal has missed time each of the last three seasons. Risk is real, but managed minutes and rotational planning could help.
6. Western Conference Landscape
The path wouldn’t be easy. The Thunder, Timberwolves, and Nuggets remain strong. If the Lakers land another star, and the Clippers retain Kawhi and PG13, competition will be stiff. Even the Spurs and Rockets are improving fast.
Still, a Big 3 like this — with championship DNA — could outclass them when it matters most. The Warriors would instantly become a 2–4 seed projection team with high playoff upside.
7. What If It Doesn’t Happen?
If Beal stays in Phoenix or joins another team, Golden State still has options:
- Double down on developing Kuminga, Moody, and Brandin Podziemski.
- Use mid-level cap space to add role-playing wings.
- Keep the Butler-Curry core and preserve draft flexibility.
It wouldn’t be as flashy, but it might be more sustainable.
8. Conclusion: Title Run or Pipe Dream?
If the Warriors land Bradley Beal and unite him with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, they would return to the heart of the championship conversation in 2025–26. But the plan requires bold financial maneuvering, good health, and rapid chemistry building.
Superteams come with risk. Yet few teams in the NBA would match that top-tier experience and skill. If Lacob and Dunleavy Jr. can pull it off, Golden State may write one last glorious chapter in the Curry dynasty era.
Stay tuned — because the offseason could get wild in the Bay.
