The Golden State Warriors find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After more than a decade of dominance, the aura that once made them the NBA’s model franchise is beginning to fade. Following a season marred by inconsistency, aging stars, and a disappointing playoff miss, the pressure is immense. The core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is no longer invincible, and the front office is staring down a pivotal offseason that could determine the franchise’s direction for years to come. But amid the uncertainty, hope is not lost. With smart decisions and the right personnel moves, the Warriors can recalibrate their ambitions. Several players, whether already on the roster or available via trade or free agency, have the potential to transform the outlook of Golden State’s offseason. They represent more than just names—they embody pathways to revive championship contention, inject youth and versatility, and extend Stephen Curry’s prime in meaningful ways.
Jonathan Kuminga is the most important internal piece in this equation. After flashes of brilliance during his first two seasons, Kuminga took a notable leap in 2023–24, averaging over 16 points per game and showcasing an improved handle, shot selection, and defensive awareness. His freakish athleticism and raw talent are no longer unpolished promises—they’re assets ready to be fully realized. The Warriors have historically struggled with player development during the dynasty years, often prioritizing short-term wins over long-term growth. But with Kuminga, they cannot afford to make the same mistake. His emergence as a two-way wing who can guard multiple positions, run in transition, and attack downhill in the half-court gives Golden State a player archetype they sorely lack. If given the minutes and consistent role he deserves, Kuminga has the tools to become a 20-point scorer and defensive disruptor, filling gaps that neither Wiggins nor the aging core can cover. His continued rise could be the most economical and realistic way for the Warriors to stay relevant.
Speaking of Andrew Wiggins, his name still lingers in trade talks after a rollercoaster season, but perhaps he doesn’t need to be shipped out—he just needs to return to form. Wiggins was a crucial piece in the 2022 title run, providing elite wing defense and timely scoring. However, last season he was a shell of that player, plagued by off-court issues and declining efficiency. Still, at 29 years old, Wiggins has the potential for a bounce-back season, especially if he can recommit himself during the offseason and the team reestablishes clear roles. A rejuvenated Wiggins would give the Warriors much-needed perimeter defense and take pressure off Curry to carry the offense. He doesn’t need to be a star—he just has to be solid. If the Warriors opt not to trade him, Wiggins could quietly become one of the most pivotal comeback stories in the league.
But if the front office does decide to make a splash, one name that has generated intrigue is Lauri Markkanen. The Utah Jazz forward has quietly blossomed into one of the most efficient, versatile scorers in the league. At 7 feet tall with a silky jump shot, the ability to play inside and out, and underrated rebounding skills, Markkanen would be a dream fit next to Curry. His floor spacing would open up the Warriors’ offense in ways not seen since the Kevin Durant era. Unlike Durant, Markkanen doesn’t require the ball in isolation to be effective. He can thrive as a spot-up shooter, a cutter, and a pick-and-pop threat, all within the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense. The acquisition would not be cheap—Utah would demand at least two first-round picks and a promising young player like Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski—but the fit is undeniable. Markkanen is young, hungry, and stylistically perfect for Golden State’s system. His presence could elevate the Warriors from fringe playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders once more.
On the other side of the spectrum is a player like Paul George—older, more expensive, but battle-tested and star-caliber. George’s name has been linked to the Warriors as he contemplates opting out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers. If Golden State is serious about giving Curry another deep playoff run, George is the type of all-in move that could catalyze that goal. He’s a two-way wing who can defend the league’s best players, create his own shot, and share the offensive load with Curry. More importantly, his game ages well—built on skill, not explosiveness. Of course, this would likely require moving off major pieces like Wiggins and future draft capital, but George gives the Warriors something they currently lack: a second star who commands respect from defenses. In today’s NBA, versatility at the wing is invaluable, and George provides that in spades. Though the risk is considerable given his injury history and age, the upside is potentially transformative.
Finally, there’s the wild card: Bronny James. On paper, he’s not the kind of player that would save a franchise’s offseason. But the context matters. Drafting Bronny isn’t just about talent evaluation—it’s about legacy, leverage, and long-term vision. LeBron James has made it clear that he wants to play with his son, and the Warriors have been rumored to at least consider the possibilities. Imagine, even briefly, a scenario where LeBron takes a pay cut to join Golden State to play with Bronny and compete for another title with Curry. The basketball fit would require creativity, and the egos would need managing, but the spectacle—and potential success—would be historic. Even if Bronny never develops into a star, his presence could open doors to a short-term window of elite-level contention with LeBron as the final piece of the puzzle. The risk is minimal if the cost is a late second-round pick, and the reward, however unlikely, could be monumental. Beyond LeBron, Bronny’s individual skill set—defensive instincts, court vision, and a high basketball IQ—suggests he could carve out a solid rotational role over time.
As the Warriors navigate the complexities of the salary cap, aging stars, and rising competition in the Western Conference, they must make bold, decisive moves. There is no more room for half-measures. The dynasty days may be behind them, but the door isn’t closed. They still have the most gravity-altering shooter in league history. They still have a culture of excellence and championship pedigree. What they need now are players who can either reignite that spark or carry the torch into a new era. Whether it’s internal development with Kuminga, a comeback from Wiggins, a trade for a rising star like Markkanen, a gamble on Paul George, or a left-field move for Bronny James, the choices the Warriors make in the coming weeks will define their trajectory.
This offseason is not about rebuilding—it’s about preserving greatness before it fades. Stephen Curry deserves a roster that can compete, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because he’s still that good. The margin for error has shrunk, but the blueprint for revival is clear. With the right blend of internal growth, strategic aggression, and maybe a little imagination, the Warriors can not only salvage this offseason—they can rediscover what made them special in the first place.
