The Golden State Warriors are not resting easy as they continue to retool their roster for what they hope will be a resurgence back to championship contention. Despite a challenging season that saw them fall short of expectations, the front office remains determined to stay relevant in the hyper-competitive Western Conference. While many eyes have been locked in on blockbuster possibilities or internal development, the Warriors may be pivoting toward a more subtle but equally savvy move: pursuing a former Philadelphia 76ers guard who could add veteran depth, shooting, and grit to a rotation that is in desperate need of energy and flexibility.
According to multiple league sources, the Warriors have been monitoring free agent guards closely this offseason, and one name that continues to generate internal buzz is that of Shake Milton, the former Sixers and most recently Timberwolves guard. While not a headliner in the mold of Kyrie Irving or Damian Lillard, Milton represents the kind of under-the-radar addition that Golden State has been known to weaponize into a key contributor. With the Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson reaching the twilight of their careers, it’s these smaller, strategic additions that could end up making all the difference in extending the dynasty just a little bit longer.
Milton, a 6-foot-5 combo guard with a smooth handle and a versatile offensive skill set, has had an up-and-down NBA journey. Drafted 54th overall in 2018 out of SMU, Milton quickly turned heads in Philadelphia with his ability to score in bunches, his court vision, and his willingness to do the dirty work on defense. Over his five years with the Sixers, he averaged 9.3 points per game, shot 36% from beyond the arc, and often served as a key bench spark. Whether it was stepping up in the playoffs when starters were injured or sliding into the point guard role when necessary, Milton proved himself to be a team-first player with a knack for showing up when it counted.
The Warriors, who are currently navigating salary cap restrictions and a shrinking margin for error, could use a player like that. Jordan Poole, once the team’s high-scoring sixth man, is now gone. Chris Paul’s departure freed up roster and ball-handling responsibilities but left a veteran void in the backcourt. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody have flashed potential but are still developing. The addition of Milton would give Golden State a proven player who understands his role and can impact games without needing 20 shots a night or high usage.
Golden State’s interest in Milton also speaks volumes about the direction they want to take their bench. In recent years, the Warriors have sometimes leaned too heavily on youth, hoping young players could step into vital playoff roles without the reps or seasoning. That approach backfired last season as inconsistency plagued the team. By contrast, Milton offers stability and the kind of veteran poise that can help balance out a team filled with high expectations but limited flexibility.
Defensively, Milton fits the Warriors’ switching scheme well. His size allows him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, and his wingspan gives him the edge in disrupting passing lanes. Steve Kerr has always valued guards who can hold their own on both ends, and Milton’s two-way potential would give the team more options when dealing with the guard-heavy lineups that dominate the Western Conference. Whether it’s containing a De’Aaron Fox, keeping up with a Jamal Murray, or harassing an Anthony Edwards, Milton has the tools to be a useful piece.
Offensively, Milton might be even more valuable. While he’s not the fastest player or the most explosive finisher, he thrives in pick-and-roll situations, shoots well off the catch, and can initiate offense when Curry is resting. That last piece is critical. The Warriors have long struggled with non-Curry minutes, often seeing leads evaporate when their superstar sits. Milton can help stabilize those stretches, not just by scoring but by organizing the offense and creating easier opportunities for his teammates.
His time with the Timberwolves last season wasn’t particularly flashy, but that shouldn’t deter Golden State. Minnesota’s system wasn’t tailored to Milton’s strengths, and his role was limited with the emergence of Anthony Edwards and the presence of multiple ball-dominant players. A new system, under a coaching staff that knows how to maximize skill sets, could revitalize Milton’s game and remind the league of just how valuable he can be.
The financials also make sense. Milton is not expected to command a large contract in free agency. For a Warriors team that is already dealing with luxury tax concerns, adding a cost-effective veteran who can play real minutes is exactly the kind of move that makes strategic sense. And for Milton, the chance to play for a respected organization with championship pedigree, learn from future Hall of Famers, and potentially get meaningful playoff minutes is a compelling opportunity.
Golden State’s interest in Milton also aligns with their broader strategy of loading up on wings and combo guards who can stretch the floor and compete on defense. They’ve reportedly been keeping tabs on other similar players this summer, but Milton’s familiarity with high-pressure games and locker room versatility make him particularly attractive. This is not about making a headline move; it’s about assembling a roster that can function as a complete unit, where each piece complements the others.
The timing is also telling. With most of the big-name free agents already signed and rosters starting to crystallize across the league, Golden State seems intent on waiting for value signings rather than jumping into overpay territory. That’s a smart pivot for a franchise that has learned, sometimes the hard way, that patience often pays off. If Milton is brought in, it wouldn’t be as a savior or focal point. It would be to plug gaps, offer steadiness, and contribute to winning basketball without the ego or expectation of stardom.
Stephen Curry has repeatedly spoken about the importance of surrounding the core with players who are mentally and physically tough, who understand the stakes, and who don’t shy away from doing the little things that win games. Shake Milton fits that mold. He may not sell jerseys or dominate highlight reels, but in the playoffs, when possessions tighten and benches shrink, it’s guys like Milton who make or break series.
There’s also the cultural fit. The Warriors have built a locker room centered around trust, selflessness, and a shared understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. Milton, by all accounts, is a low-maintenance professional who shows up, competes, and encourages teammates. That kind of presence can’t be overstated, especially in an era where chemistry often separates contenders from pretenders.
While no deal has been finalized as of yet, the signs are pointing in one direction. The Warriors like Milton. He fits what they need. And if the two sides can agree on a deal, it could be one of those offseason moves that slips under the radar now, only to become hugely important come playoff time. Golden State knows that their window isn’t wide open forever, and every smart addition counts. Shake Milton might not be the biggest name out there, but he could be one of the smartest.
For Milton, it’s a chance at basketball redemption and a platform to showcase his game on one of the biggest stages. For the Warriors, it’s a move that underscores their continued commitment to winning and evolving. Sometimes, the quietest signings are the ones that echo loudest in June. And if things break the right way, the potential union between Golden State and Shake Milton could be another chapter in the franchise’s story of smart team-building and relentless pursuit of success.
