The Golden State Warriors have been slumping despite starting the 2024-25 NBA season with a 12-3 record. They currently sit with a very average 18-18 record and are at risk of being a play-in team or missing the playoffs entirely. Despite Stephen Curry playing at a high level (22.8 PPG, 6.1 APG), frustration is setting with him and the team as a whole.
For a franchise like the Warriors that is focused on championship success, that means every player not named Curry (and possibly Draymond Green) will be on the chopping block. The Warriors will need to focus on who they can target and include players they see fit to leave. Curry is nearly 37 years old and he has even admitted that time is of the essence when it comes to his finding more team success before retirement.
We have collected 10 major Warriors players that could leave the team until the 2025 offseason arrives, and as Draymond Green said, no one is safe right now. Let’s go through each of these players who might not remain with the team and the reasons why.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga stands out as the Warriors’ most intriguing trade chip—and their most difficult decision. The 22-year-old forward is averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this season while flashing glimpses of the two-way potential that made him the 7th overall pick in 2021.
However, with his rookie contract nearing its end (Warriors have a $10,240,287 qualifying offer next year), the Warriors face a dilemma: Do they invest heavily in Kuminga as a cornerstone for the future, or use him to acquire a win-now star like Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, or Brandon Ingram?
The latter seems more likely, especially given the Warriors’ desperation to maximize Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years and there is no doubt trade rumors are going around. The Warriors have reportedly shown interest in Jimmy Butler more than anyone else, and the Heat will likely look to bring Kuminga on board with their core of Adebayo and Herro.
Kuminga’s athleticism and defensive versatility are enticing, but his inconsistent shooting (34.5% from three) and raw decision-making have raised questions about his fit alongside Curry and Green in high-stakes playoff games. If Golden State decides to swing for the fences on a blockbuster deal, Kuminga’s upside could be the centerpiece of the package.
Letting Kuminga go would be a painful but necessary move for a team that has championship-or-bust expectations. Paying him a hefty extension would limit the Warriors’ flexibility and could lead to regrets if his development plateaus. While Kuminga could grow into a star elsewhere, the Warriors might not have the luxury of waiting—and moving him for a proven star would send a clear message that the franchise is all-in on chasing another title.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins’ future with the Warriors has taken an unexpected turn this season. After being a critical piece in their 2022 championship run, Wiggins’ production has slipped since then, as he’s averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.4% shooting this season.
His $109 million contract extension, signed in 2022, now looks like a potential burden rather than a bargain. Wiggins will make $28,223,215 next season with a player option for $30,169,644 in the following year.
Despite his struggles, Wiggins still holds value as a versatile wing defender and capable scorer. Teams in need of a playoff-tested forward would see him as an appealing trade target, especially if packaged alongside Kuminga or other young players. For the Warriors, moving Wiggins could be the key to retooling their roster around Curry while alleviating some financial strain.
If Wiggins remains inconsistent, it’s hard to envision Golden State holding onto him through the 2025 offseason. His trade value won’t stay high forever, and the Warriors might decide that now is the time to offload him as part of a larger deal for a star. While it’s a gamble to trade away someone who was once a Finals hero, it’s a move that aligns with the Warriors’ win-now timeline.
Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield was brought in to bolster the Warriors’ three-point shooting, but his role hasn’t been the perfect fit many expected. While he’s still an above-average sharpshooter, averaging 38.4% from beyond the arc, his defensive limitations and streaky performances have kept him from solidifying a key role in the rotation. At 32 years old, Hield’s value lies in his ability to space the floor, but the Warriors might prefer a more well-rounded contributor.
Hield could be a valuable trade chip for Golden State, especially for teams looking to add perimeter scoring to their playoff push. His team-friendly contract ($9,219,512 in 2025-26 and $9,658,536 in 2026-27) makes him an attractive option in potential deals, particularly if the Warriors aim to pair him with younger assets in pursuit of a bigger prize. Moving Hield would allow the team to redistribute minutes to younger players or bring in a defensive upgrade.
For Golden State, Hield’s departure would be more of a financial and strategic decision than an indictment of his abilities. While he’s been a solid addition, he’s not indispensable to their championship aspirations, as Draymond Green might attest.
Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II’s return to the Warriors was supposed to reinforce their defense, but his impact has been less pronounced this season. Averaging 4.6 points and 0.7 steals per game, Payton remains a disruptive defender, but his offensive limitations have made it hard for him to crack consistent minutes in a crowded backcourt.
Given his modest $9.1 million salary and the fact he enters free agency next year, Payton could be an easy inclusion in a trade package aimed at bringing in a star or rebalancing the roster. His familiarity with the Warriors’ system and defensive tenacity might entice suitors, but his role in Golden State feels increasingly expendable.
Moses Moody
Moses Moody has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t taken the leap many hoped for this season. His averages of 8.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in limited minutes suggest untapped upside, but the Warriors seem unwilling—or unable—to give him the consistent playing time needed for development.
Moody’s affordable contract ($5,803,269, $11,574,075, $12,500,000, and $13,425,925 until 2027-28) and pedigree as a lottery pick make him an appealing trade chip, particularly for teams willing to gamble on his long-term potential. For the Warriors, packaging Moody in a deal for a proven contributor might be the most logical path, especially with Curry’s timeline dictating their moves.
Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney has been a steady presence for the Warriors, offering rebounding, defensive versatility, and playoff experience. This season, he’s averaging 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 points per game while continuing to set solid screens and make hustle plays. Looney’s durability and reliability have made him a fan favorite, but his skill set may be viewed as replaceable by the Warriors’ front office if he becomes part of a trade package.
For Golden State, moving Looney would only happen in a significant trade aimed at acquiring an impact player. His $8.0 million salary is modest, making him an easy inclusion in deals without creating significant cap issues. No doubt, the Warriors could use an upgrade at center.
Looney’s departure would be bittersweet, as he’s been integral to Golden State’s success over the years. But if packaging him helps secure a better player to complement Curry’s championship aspirations, it’s a sacrifice the Warriors might consider.
Trayce Jackson-Davis
Trayce Jackson-Davis has shown promise in limited minutes, displaying flashes of defensive potential and energy on the boards. However, the Warriors’ current struggles and need for immediate results make it difficult for them to prioritize his development.
As a result, Jackson-Davis could find himself as part of a trade package. His rookie-scale contract (has a $2.2 million qualifying offer next season and a $2.4 million qualifying offer in 2026-27) and upside makes him an attractive piece for teams looking to build for the future. For the Warriors, his inclusion in a trade would likely be tied to a larger deal aimed at bringing in win-now talent.
While Jackson-Davis could eventually develop into a rotational big, his timeline doesn’t align with the Warriors’ urgency to maximize Curry’s prime. If a trade arises that addresses their immediate needs, moving Jackson-Davis might be an easy decision.
Brandin Podziemski
Brandin Podziemski, another young player, has had difficulty finding consistent playing time in Golden State’s guard-heavy rotation. Despite his intriguing skill set as a shooter and secondary playmaker, his role has been limited to spot minutes, making it hard for him to build momentum.
For teams seeking young talent with upside, Podziemski could be a valuable addition in a trade package ($3.7 million next season). The Warriors might view him as expendable if his departure helps bring in a more established contributor to bolster their championship hopes.
While Podziemski has potential (8.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.2 APG), his development trajectory doesn’t fit the Warriors’ immediate priorities. Trading him might allow Golden State to strike a balance between competing now and preparing for the future.
Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson was brought in to provide versatility, but his production has been modest this season, with averages of 5.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. While his “slow-mo” style and basketball IQ add value, he hasn’t made the kind of impact the Warriors hoped for.
Anderson’s manageable contract makes him a practical trade chip at $9.2 million in salary next season and $9.7 million the following year. His ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate offense might appeal to teams looking for a glue guy in a playoff push.
For Golden State, moving Anderson could help open cap space or fill a more pressing need. While Anderson’s presence is appreciated, he hasn’t been a game-changer, making him one of the more expendable pieces if the Warriors pursue a trade.
Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder was supposed to provide the right cover for Stephen Curry but it hasn’t happened yet. Averaging 9.5 points and 4.6 assists per game in 11 games with the Warriors, Schroder has not played up to par. However, as an impending free agent with his $13.0 million salary expiring, his future with the Warriors is far from secure.
Given Golden State’s financial constraints and focus on retooling the roster, Schroder might be allowed to walk in free agency. While he’s been a reliable contributor, his departure wouldn’t drastically affect the team’s long-term outlook, especially if they can replace him with a cheaper or younger option.
Schroder’s tenure with the Warriors could be short-lived, but his role this season has been important in keeping the team competitive during stretches where Curry rests. Ultimately, his future likely depends on how much value the Warriors place on continuity versus flexibility.
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