When Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, he teamed up with the Splash Brothers to reclaim the NBA championship from the Cleveland Cavaliers. That season, with Durant’s arrival, Stephen Curry’s role within the team became a hot topic among fans. Some even questioned whether Curry was still an untouchable asset in the league.
One of the most frequently asked questions was: now that Durant is here, is Curry still off-limits? Could any player in the league be swapped one-on-one for him? Leaving aside elite forwards like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis, the discussion often focused on point guards. This era has seen a rise in dominant point guards who serve as the focal points of their teams. When fans talk about guards who could rival Curry, names like Westbrook, Harden, Irving, and Wall come to mind. But even though their individual skills are impressive, it doesn’t mean they could replace Curry within the Warriors’ seamless system.
In terms of player value alone, a one-for-one trade would require matching talent and stature. Back then, if there were any players with the credentials to be swapped for Curry, the only real candidates were James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Kyrie Irving. And if there’s anyone qualified to answer this, it’s Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. His opinion carries real weight. When asked about such a trade, Kerr firmly stated, “Curry is the soul of our team. He won’t be traded. There’s no such thing as a one-for-one swap.”
The reporter pressed further, insisting, “I mean, hypothetically!” Kerr eventually responded, albeit reluctantly. The first player he mentioned was Kyrie Irving from the rival Cavaliers. According to Kerr, Irving’s athleticism surpasses Curry’s, and he’s an aggressive scorer with pinpoint three-point shooting. Known for his clutch performances, Irving had twice delivered game-winning daggers against the Warriors, which forced Kerr to acknowledge his name in this conversation.
The second player was Russell Westbrook. Kerr pointed out that Westbrook’s physical strength was far superior, especially at the point guard position. When Westbrook decides to score, it’s incredibly hard for defenders to stop him. However, his downside is making costly mistakes during key stretches, which often gives opponents a chance to capitalize.
Lastly, Kerr highlighted James Harden, then the leading man for the Houston Rockets. In Kerr’s eyes, Harden wasn’t just an elite scorer — his improved playmaking and leadership stood out that season. This aligned well with the Warriors’ core strategy. Among the three, Kerr clearly leaned toward Harden as the most complete package.
Still, from a long-term perspective, considering the Warriors’ unique chemistry and team culture, none of them truly matched what Curry brought to the table. BD Cricket Live fans often draw parallels between basketball stars and their national heroes, and Curry’s case shows how irreplaceable some players are in their system.
Today, no one in the NBA could be traded one-for-one for Curry — not even hypothetically. His leadership, selflessness, and ability to lift the entire team make him a once-in-a-generation player. Just like BD Cricket Live continues to celebrate its icons, the Warriors stand firmly behind their own. Curry remains their heart, their identity, and the driving force behind their success — a reminder that some things simply can’t be replaced.