The 2025 offseason will be an intriguing one for the Golden State Warriors. Although their run in the postseason resulted in failure, the external causes that determined it will leave an odd taste in the mouth of members of the organization.
It was abundantly clear that a trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green had what it took to make it all the way. Butler single-handedly transformed the team’s status from a mediocre team to a playoff one.
With this in mind, the Dubs will certainly structure their roster around their core. Having a framework in place has also allowed the Warriors to explore the positional upgrades they need to make, and as per reports, the franchise will be very aggressive in the trade market.
To facilitate roster-building practices, we need to take a look at the Warriors’ assets. At the current juncture, although Golden State may be slightly lacking in draft capital, they have some key roster pieces that could help them transform this team via trade.
Future Star:
– Jonathan Kuminga (UFA)
Five Role Players:
– Brandin Podziemski ($3.7 million, guard with high upside)
– Trayce Jackson-Davis ($2.2 million, prospective young center)
– Moses Moody ($11.5 million, two-way player with potential)
– Kevon Looney ($15.2 million, UFA, sign-and-trade is possible)
– Gary Payton II ($17.3 million, UFA, sign-and-trade is possible)
Future Draft Picks
– First-Round Picks: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2031
– Second-Round Picks: 2025, 2030
– 2031 Second-Round Pick Swap (Rights with MIN)
Team-Friendly Contracts
– Buddy Hield ($9.2 million, three years)
– Gui Santos ($2.2 million, one year)
– Quinten Post ($1.9 million, one year)
Although Golden State’s current cap and salary structure makes it difficult for them to acquire superstars via trade, their biggest asset in these cases is Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga has been one of the team’s most promising players since he was drafted. At 22 years old, the forward boasts tremendous athleticism and shot creation ability. His potential to be an All-Star has been weighed and measured by virtually every team in the league. Unfortunately, this potential will not be cultivated in the Bay Area.
With his role and position clashing with Jimmy Butler, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it known that Kuminga would have to be relegated to the bench for the betterment of the team.
Needless to say, the young star, who has already been on questionable terms with Kerr, is more than likely to find himself finding a new home in the summer. Kuminga has made his aspirations of being an All-Star known. And with an average of 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 45.4% FG, he is certainly on the path to becoming one.
With this in mind, the Warriors’ ideal situation is to structure any deal with Kuminga as the centerpiece. A sign-and-trade deal involving the forward would help the Warriors match the financial demands of most superstars.
While the 22-year-old may be the Warriors’ best chance at landing a superstar, the team still has enough assets to facilitate trades for key role players. The most important among these is the team’s draft capital. Their wealth of first-round picks will garner a high value in the trade market, depending on which team they choose to strike a deal with.
Other than Kuminga, the team may also look to include players such as Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II in trade deals.
Both players have been key role players for the Warriors over the last few years, including their iconic title charge. However, both may find themselves on the way out as the team sets off in a new direction.
Looney has been a pillar for the Warriors. His efforts on the rebounding glass have ensured wins for the team in the most unlikely of circumstances. Although he is only 28 years old, the Dubs may opt to change their approach and focus on developing their younger bigs.
Similarly, Payton has been a vital defensive player in the backcourt. While he has remained valuable over the last two seasons, Golden State may choose to get the most out of him by facilitating sign-and-trades, including him as a valuable asset in any deal.
Players like Podziemski and Post showed too much upside in the season to be included in trade chatter. Given how beneficial their development would be to the team, the Warriors may instead turn their attention to Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis as potential trade chips.
Moody is a high-value two-way player who has shown steady growth in the Warriors’ system. Unfortunately, much like Kuminga, a position clash sees him relegated to the bench and receiving fewer minutes than he deserves.
Considering that the Warriors have also shown an inclination to sign a defensive wing in De’Anthony Melton, the 22-year-old may see his position up for grabs again. Thus, it seems quite likely that the team will include him in any trade discussions.
One example in which the two players found themselves on the trade block was expressed in a proposal by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes. An attempt to acquire Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis had both Moody and Jackson-Davis mentioned, along with Buddy Hield and Gui Santos, to make the salaries match.
The Warriors’ pursuit of a big man has been noted. Their interest in the free agent market has also seen them target players such as Brook Lopez and Clint Capela.
Golden State is also said to have an interest in building upon its wing depth. With players like Kuminga and Moody on the way out, the team will need shooters in their ranks. Some reports have also indicated a possibility of acquiring Nuggets sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr.
When it comes to superstars, the Warriors have been closely linked to a Milwaukee Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. His appearances in San Francisco amidst trade rumors and his explicit intentions of wanting to team up with Curry have given the fans a lot of hope.
While acquiring him will be a challenge, we formulated a bold proposal that could help the team swing a deal for the forward without sacrificing their core.
A move to acquire Antetokounmpo would undoubtedly transform the Warriors into one of the best teams in the league. Considering the team’s title window, the team would do well to ensure they make the most of what they have, while they still have it.
