How the Warriors Can Still Salvage Their Offseason
The Golden State Warriors have been largely inactive in free agency. Key veteran Kevon Looney departed for the New Orleans Pelicans, and the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga contract standoff remains unresolved. For a franchise built on championship aspirations, the gap between their current roster and a title contender feels wider than ever.
Their core trio — Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — are all on the wrong side of 35, each carrying concerns about durability and, in Green’s case, discipline. Expecting them to shoulder the physical demands of an entire season before a deep playoff run is unrealistic.
If the Warriors want to shift the narrative and turn this offseason into a win, they still have several viable options on the table.
Pull Off a Sign-and-Trade: Kuminga for Josh Giddey
Jonathan Kuminga has been at the center of Golden State’s offseason drama. The 21-year-old has reportedly drawn three-year, $90 million offers from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings — figures in line with his asking price but financially untenable for the Warriors without crossing into the dreaded second tax apron.
That leaves two options: hope he accepts the qualifying offer, or orchestrate a sign-and-trade. The latter is far more likely. Instead of settling for role players and draft picks, Golden State could target Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey.
Like Kuminga, Giddey is a young talent whose rookie deal expired without an extension. A double sign-and-trade would be complicated — likely requiring a third team — but both sides have reportedly shown interest.
Why Giddey fits: At 6’8”, he offers size, elite passing, and positional versatility from point guard to power forward. His improved three-point shooting (up to 37.8% last season) and high-IQ playmaking would mesh well with Golden State’s motion offense, functioning as a younger, taller version of Draymond Green.
Why Kuminga benefits: His old-school, mid-range-heavy style hasn’t thrived under Steve Kerr. A change of scenery could unlock his game, particularly in a system where he’d get consistent touches — like Chicago.
Sign Al Horford for Size and Shooting
Yes, Al Horford is 39, but he remains one of the league’s most dependable role players. Golden State’s lack of a true center has haunted them in recent playoff exits — losing to bigger teams like the Lakers (2023), Kings (2024), and Timberwolves (2025).
Horford offers the size and interior defense they need while still stretching the floor. He shot an elite 40.9% from three over the past three seasons, thriving on wide-open looks created by star teammates. In Golden State, defenders keying on Curry and Butler would give Horford similar opportunities.
Defensively, his basketball IQ allows him to protect the rim despite being undersized for a center. In last year’s playoffs, he held Karl-Anthony Towns in check — proof he can still anchor a defense in key moments.
Add Malcolm Brogdon as a Backcourt Stabilizer
It’s surprising that Malcolm Brogdon remains unsigned. While his injury history is a concern, his skill set is perfect for a contender.
In his last healthy season (2022–23 with Boston), Brogdon averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on .484/.444/.870 shooting splits — earning Sixth Man of the Year honors. His production dipped last season with Washington, but that’s more about context than decline. In Golden State’s system, with reduced defensive attention, his efficiency would likely rebound.
Brogdon could run the offense when Curry sits, provide scoring punch off the bench, and serve as injury insurance during the postseason — all while potentially re-emerging as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Final Word
The Warriors’ offseason hasn’t gone as hoped, but it’s not over. Turning Kuminga into a playmaking wing like Giddey, bolstering the frontcourt with Horford’s size and shooting, and adding Brogdon’s steady hand in the backcourt could quickly shift the narrative.
With a few smart moves, Golden State could give Curry and company one more legitimate shot at a championship — and salvage what’s been, so far, a frustrating summer.
