The Golden State Warriors have picked up their play this season, going 5-5 over their last 10 games and holding a solid 34-31 record as a play-in spot looks to be their immediate future. Led by superstar Stephen Curry and budding star Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors are hoping to save their dynasty, although it could require some major changes this summer.
The Warriors’ salary cap situation is very interesting following this season, and so is their roster makeup that could see multiple players leave. Similar to what we did with the Los Angeles Lakers, here is the analysis of which players could leave the Golden State Warriors in the 2024 offseason.
Chris Paul – Via Trade
Contract Status: $30,800,000 In 2024-25
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Acquiring Chris Paul was a bold move for the Warriors, especially considering his age and salary. While Paul remains an elite playmaker and floor general, it’s understandable that there could be questions about his fit with the team’s timeline and goals.
Trading for Paul likely indicates a short-term strategy for the Warriors, aiming to leverage his salary and veteran presence to make a significant move in the trade market. The mentioned targets, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and even LeBron James – whom the Warriors are not done pursuing, represent ambitious aspirations but could potentially transform the Warriors into instant championship contenders.
Including assets like Moses Moody and future first-round picks alongside Paul would sweeten any trade offer, providing the receiving team with promising young talent and future assets. However, it’s worth noting that acquiring superstars of the caliber of Giannis or LeBron would likely require more than just Paul and additional assets—it would likely demand a hefty package of players and picks.
Andrew Wiggins – Via Trade
Contract Status: $26,276,786 In 2024-25, $28,223,215 In 2025-26, $30,169,644 Player Option In 2026-27
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Andrew Wiggins has been a significant contributor to the Golden State Warriors, demonstrating his value as a versatile two-way player. However, his contract, coupled with the team’s ambitions to pursue All-Star caliber talent, could make him a trade candidate in the 2024 offseason.
Wiggins’ contract, with escalating salaries over the next few seasons and a player option in 2026-27, represents a substantial financial commitment for any team. While he has shown flashes of his potential as a starting-caliber player and a defensive asset, his consistency and efficiency have sometimes been questioned.
In the pursuit of players like LeBron James or even Jerami Grant who fits perfectly in Golden State, Wiggins could indeed be included in trade packages to match salaries and entice potential trade partners. His age, at only 29 years old, makes him an attractive asset for teams looking to add a proven contributor to their roster.
Gary Payton II – Decline Player Option
Contract Status: $9,130,000 Player Option In 2024-25
2023-24 Season Statistics: 5.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Gary Payton II’s situation presents an interesting dilemma for the Golden State Warriors. While he may not have elite statistics, his impact on defense and in the locker room cannot be understated. Payton II’s defensive prowess and leadership qualities have likely endeared him to the organization and his teammates.
However, if Payton II is seeking a long-term deal and the Warriors are focused on acquiring max-level players like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or other significant talents such as Jerami Grant or Zach LaVine, it’s possible that the team may not prioritize offering him a lucrative contract extension.
In such a scenario, Payton II might decline his player option in search of a long-term deal elsewhere. This would leave the Warriors with a decision to make: whether to match offers from other teams to retain Payton II’s services or to let him walk in free agency. Given his impact on defense and in the locker room, Payton II’s departure could leave a void that might be challenging to fill with a player of similar caliber and intangibles.
Kevon Looney – Via Trade
Contract Status: $8,000,000 In 2024-25
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Kevon Looney’s role and production with the Golden State Warriors have indeed fluctuated since the team’s championship season in 2022. While he has been a serviceable big man, his declining production and the team’s need to shed salary could make him a candidate to be moved via trade in the 2024 offseason.
Despite Looney’s team-friendly salary, the Warriors may prioritize clearing cap space to remain competitive in the long term, especially if they have aspirations of acquiring a versatile big man like Karl-Anthony Towns or another impactful player who fits better within their evolving roster strategy.
Trading Looney could not only help the Warriors shed salary but also potentially bring in assets or players that better address their needs or fit their long-term vision. Looney’s departure might create opportunities for younger or more impactful players to step up and contribute in his absence.
Moses Moody – Via Trade
Contract Status: $5,803,269 In 2024-25, $8,072,347 Qualifying Offer In 2025-26
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Trading Moses Moody would indeed be a significant decision for the Golden State Warriors, given his potential and youth. At just 21 years old, Moody is viewed as a promising prospect with room to grow and develop into a valuable contributor on both ends of the court.
While Moody may not yet have showcased the same level of talent as fellow youngster Jonathan Kuminga, his potential remains enticing for the Warriors and other teams alike. However, in pursuit of acquiring a third All-Star player or other significant assets, the Warriors may consider packaging Moody with other assets such as Andrew Wiggins or Chris Paul in trade negotiations.
Moody’s inclusion in trade discussions could help sweeten potential deals and increase the appeal for trade partners. While it’s always a risk to part ways with young talent with high potential, the allure of adding another All-Star caliber player to the roster could outweigh the long-term benefits of retaining Moody.
Brandin Podziemski
Contract Status: $3,520,024 In 2024-25, $3,687,644 Team Option In 2025-26, $5,678,972 Team Option In 2026-27, $8,666,111 Qualifying Offer In 2027-28
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Brandin Podziemski has emerged as a bright spot for the Golden State Warriors in his rookie season, demonstrating his potential as the 19th overall pick. His ability to compete on both ends of the court and fit into the Warriors’ system makes him a valuable asset for the team’s future.
Despite being just 21 years old, Podziemski has shown signs of improvement offensively while maintaining his defensive intensity. His willingness to adapt and grow within the team’s structure bodes well for his long-term development and contribution to the Warriors’ success.
While Podziemski’s team-friendly deal makes him an attractive asset to retain, his inclusion in trade discussions could be tempting for teams looking to acquire young talent in exchange for star players. His potential and promising play could make him an appealing piece in trade negotiations, especially for teams seeking to rebuild or retool their roster.
Free Agents
Klay Thompson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The future of Klay Thompson with the Golden State Warriors is uncertain, given his status as a free agent and questions about his long-term health and role on the team. As he continues to recover from significant injuries that have sidelined him in recent seasons, there are doubts about whether he can return to his elite form as one-half of the Splash Brothers alongside Stephen Curry.
At 34 years old, Thompson may be in the twilight of his career, and the Warriors could be considering a change in direction as they look to rebuild around Curry. With Thompson’s hefty salary coming off the books, it could provide the team with financial flexibility to pursue other avenues for roster improvement or to invest in younger talent.
While Thompson’s contributions to the Warriors’ success over the years have been immense, including helping to lead the team to multiple championships, his uncertain future and the need to adapt to changes in the NBA landscape may lead the Warriors to let him walk in free agency.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Thompson’s future with the Warriors will depend on various factors, including his health, performance, and the team’s long-term plans. However, his departure would signify the end of an era for the franchise and could mark the beginning of a new chapter as they seek to navigate the post-Thompson era while continuing to build around Curry.
Dario Saric
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Dario Saric is a solid system player for the Warriors because he has a high basketball IQ and can also shoot the three. However, he isn’t untouchable, and if the Warriors can’t out-bid another team for Saric’s signature, they will let him walk.
If he is available for a deal that pays him $2,709,849, as he made this year, the big man is not a bad gamble. Saric shot 37.6% from three this season and did it while posting 8.4 points on 17.8 minutes per game.
Lester Quinones
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Lester Quinones, at 23 years old, has spent two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, providing depth as a 6’5″ shooting guard. While he possesses some potential, it’s unlikely that he will significantly impact the Warriors’ roster or alter their trajectory in a significant way.
Given his age and experience, Quinones may be seeking a more stable opportunity to showcase his skills and further his development. If he can secure a two or three-year deal from another NBA team that offers him a clearer path to playing time and opportunity for growth, he may opt to walk away from the Warriors in free agency.
Usman Garuba
2023-24 Season Statistics: 0.0 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Usman Garuba’s limited playing time (3 games) and production during the 2023-24 season with the Golden State Warriors suggest that he has struggled to carve out a significant role within the team. With statistics indicating minimal impact across the board, it’s understandable that he may seek other opportunities if he can secure a long-term deal elsewhere.
Garuba’s lack of playing time and contribution to the team likely indicate that he has not earned a spot in the Warriors’ rotation or future plans. As a result, he may prioritize finding a team where he can garner more playing time and opportunities to develop his game.
Jerome Robinson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 1.3 PPG, 0.2 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jerome Robinson, standing at 6’4″ and with three seasons of NBA experience, provides the Golden State Warriors with depth at the shooting guard position. While he possesses decent shooting abilities and athleticism, he may not be a top priority for the Warriors when it comes to re-signing him for a long-term deal.
Robinson’s skill set and contributions to the team may not be viewed as essential or irreplaceable by the Warriors’ front office. With other areas of the roster likely to take precedence in terms of offseason plans and salary allocation, Robinson may find himself on the lower end of the team’s priorities.
