Warriors Have Traded Five First-Round Draft Picks Since 2016

The Golden State Warriors, a franchise renowned for developing draft picks into stars, have had an intriguing track record with their first-round picks in recent years. Since 2016, they have traded five first-round picks while nurturing others into impactful players. While the franchise’s philosophy emphasizes building through the draft, their decisions to part with certain picks reflect the balancing act of maintaining a championship window and planning for the future.

Traded first-round picks: Damian Jones, Jacob Evans, Jordan Poole, James Wiseman, Patrick Baldwin

First-round picks still with the Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski

Let’s take a closer look at their draft selections and the context surrounding those trades.

2016 NBA Draft: Damian Jones

The Warriors selected Damian Jones with the 30th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Jones, a promising center out of Vanderbilt, struggled to carve out significant playing time in Golden State’s system, averaging just 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds over his career. 

While his role was limited, he won two NBA titles with the team in 2017 and 2018. Jones bounced around the league, playing for nine teams before moving overseas to join the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association. Though he didn’t make a long-term impact in Golden State, he contributed depth during their title runs.

2018 NBA Draft: Jacob Evans

In 2018, the Warriors used their 28th pick on Jacob Evans, a guard out of Cincinnati. Evans struggled to adapt to the NBA, averaging a meager 2.8 points and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 33.7% from the field in his two-year career. 

He was eventually traded and failed to secure a long-term spot in the league. Evans currently plays for BK Redstone Olomoucko in the National Basketball League and the Alpe Adria Cup. While a disappointing selection, Evans was part of a low-stakes draft position in a team already loaded with championship-caliber talent.

2019 NBA Draft: Jordan Poole

The 2019 NBA Draft saw the Warriors select Jordan Poole with the 28th overall pick. Poole’s initial years were developmental, but he exploded onto the scene during the 2021-22 season, becoming a pivotal part of Golden State’s 2022 title run. Poole averaged 16.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across his career with the Warriors, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. 

However, internal tensions, including a well-documented altercation with Draymond Green, coupled with a hefty luxury tax burden, led the Warriors to trade him to the Washington Wizards. Poole, now 25, still holds significant potential and is currently enjoying his best statistical season. Many once viewed him as the heir apparent to Stephen Curry, but chemistry issues and financial constraints ended his time in Golden State.

2020 NBA Draft: James Wiseman

The Warriors had high hopes for James Wiseman, selecting him second overall in the 2020 draft over other notable prospects, including LaMelo Ball. Wiseman showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season but was plagued by injuries, including missing the entire 2021-22 season, which ended in a Warriors championship. 

His struggles with consistency and health led the Warriors to trade him to the Detroit Pistons in a four-team deal. While he displayed promise in Detroit, his career has been marred by injuries, including a recent ACL tear that sidelined him for the current season. Wiseman’s case remains one of the franchise’s biggest “what-ifs.”

2021 NBA Draft: Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody

The Warriors had two first-round picks in 2021, selecting Jonathan Kuminga (7th overall) and Moses Moody (14th overall). Both players contributed to the Warriors’ 2022 championship run and remain key parts of the team’s future.

Jonathan Kuminga has emerged as one of the most promising young players for Golden State. Known for his athleticism and defensive versatility, Kuminga’s career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists reflect his development trajectory. At just 22 years old, he is seen as a cornerstone for the Warriors moving forward.

Moses Moody, meanwhile, has developed into a reliable role player, contributing with solid defense and three-point shooting. His career averages of 6.2 points and 2.1 rebounds on 45.7% shooting make him a valuable piece off the bench. Moody’s consistency has made him an integral part of the rotation.

2022 NBA Draft: Patrick Baldwin Jr.

The Warriors selected Patrick Baldwin Jr. with the 28th pick in 2022. Baldwin struggled for playing time during his rookie season and was included in the Jordan Poole trade to the Washington Wizards. While Baldwin has yet to make a significant impact in the league, his potential as a floor-spacing forward remains intriguing. His career averages of 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds reflect limited opportunities rather than his ceiling.

2023 NBA Draft: Brandin Podziemski

In the 2023 draft, the Warriors selected Brandin Podziemski with the 19th pick. Podziemski has shown promise in his rookie season, displaying a well-rounded game with averages of 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. While he has had moments of brilliance, his tendency for mistakes and careless turnovers has hindered his development. Nevertheless, the Warriors remain committed to developing his potential as a versatile guard.

Golden State’s approach to first-round picks has been a mix of development, trades, and cap management. The franchise has balanced its championship window with the need to build for the future. While players like Jordan Poole and James Wiseman have been moved, others like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody represent their commitment to internal development.

The decision to trade away young star Jordan Poole, who was once considered the heir apparent to Stephen Curry, has begun to seem costly. The Warriors have struggled to recapture their championship form since their 2022 title run. They were knocked out in the second round of the 2023 playoffs, failed to make the postseason entirely in 2024, and are currently hovering at 9th place in the Western Conference in the 2024-25 season.

The bold moves that defined their championship pursuits have left Golden State in a precarious position, with an aging core and fewer young stars to lead the next era. Whether the Warriors can rebuild while staying competitive or face a steeper decline remains to be seen, but the results so far suggest that the cost of their trades may outweigh the benefits in the long run.

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