The Warriors didn’t just lose to the Timberwolves in the second round, they were exposed, regardless of Stephen Curry’s injury. Outmuscled, outshot, and out-executed by a younger, deeper, hungrier team, Golden State is staring down the hard truth: the dynasty days are in danger.
Stephen Curry still plays like a top-10 player, but time waits for no one. Jimmy Butler will only naturally keep declining with age, Draymond Green walks a nightly disciplinary tightrope, and the payroll is buried deep beneath the second apron, limiting the team’s flexibility and killing their margin for error.
That means the front office needs to think about squeezing every last drop from what’s left of the championship core. That means making uncomfortable decisions, like parting ways with Jonathan Kuminga, who’s shown promise but doesn’t align with a win-now timeline.
Patience is no longer a virtue in San Francisco. The Warriors need tough, savvy, reliable veterans who can contribute immediately, particularly players who have been through playoff wars, who won’t shrink from the moment, and who know how to play alongside stars.
We’ve identified six veteran targets that could help Golden State make one final, furious push for a fifth title in the Curry era.
1. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez continues to defy age, delivering a solid 2024-25 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.9% from the field, Lopez remains a formidable presence on both ends of the court. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Lopez is on a $23 million expiring contract heading into free agency, making him a feasible trade target for the Warriors. His experience and skill set align well with Golden State’s system, providing a reliable interior defender and a capable floor spacer to complement their perimeter-oriented offense.
2. Clint Capela
Clint Capela has been a consistent force in the paint for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. His defensive prowess and rebounding ability could address the Warriors’ need for interior toughness and second-chance opportunities.
Capela’s $22.3 million expiring contract offers flexibility for the Warriors to acquire him without long-term financial commitments. His presence would bolster Golden State’s defense and provide a reliable option for pick-and-roll situations, enhancing their offensive versatility.
3. Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones has proven to be a steady hand at the point guard position, averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from the field in the 2024-25 season. His low turnover rate and efficient playmaking make him an ideal candidate to lead the Warriors’ second unit.
On a one-year, $3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns, Jones is a cost-effective option for Golden State. His ability to manage the game’s tempo and facilitate the offense would alleviate pressure on Stephen Curry, which is sorely needed when the superstar point guard rests.
4. Luke Kennard
Luke Kennard brings sharpshooting to the table, averaging 8.9 points per game with a 47.8% field goal percentage in the 2024-25 season. His proficiency from beyond the arc (43.3%) can help stretch defenses and create spacing for the Warriors’ offense.
Kennard’s $9.25 million expiring contract makes him an attainable target for Golden State. His shooting ability would complement the Warriors’ offensive schemes, providing another reliable perimeter threat to keep defenses honest.
5. Chris Paul
Chris Paul, at 40, has demonstrated his enduring value by averaging 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game in the 2024-25 season with the San Antonio Spurs. His leadership and experience are invaluable assets for any team with championship aspirations.
Paul’s expired one-year, $10.46 million contract positions him as a potential re-acquisition for the Warriors seeking veteran guidance and playmaking off the bench. Paul returning to Golden State could give him one last shot for an NBA title.
6. Steven Adams
Steven Adams has made a significant impact with the Houston Rockets, particularly noted for his defensive presence and rebounding against the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Averaging 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season, Adams’ physicality and toughness are attributes the Warriors could utilize in their frontcourt.
With a $12.6 million expiring contract, Adams is a viable target for Golden State. His experience and grit would enhance the Warriors’ interior defense and provide a formidable presence against opposing big men in the playoffs.
