10 Players Who Should Be On Warriors' Radar Ahead Of 2025 Offseason

With a revamped roster anchored by Stephen Curry and freshly added Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors will try to ignite the flame that shone bright throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. Butler's mid-February acquisition injected much‑needed talent, leadership, and defensive grit into a team needing a jolt. 

Butler’s immediate impact was undeniable: the Warriors surged to a 25-8 run following his arrival, clinched a play‑in spot, and rode the new core deep into the postseason, ultimately bowing out in the Western Conference semis.

Despite missing out on the Western Conference Finals, the window for another title remains wide open, and time is running out. Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green already account for nearly 85% of the team’s payroll next season, leaving Golden State with limited flexibility around its veteran trio. 

General manager Mike Dunleavy has built some momentum, trading salary for future assets and clearing cap space, but now faces a pivotal offseason. We have 10 players the Warriors must keep on their radar as they aim to win an NBA championship next season. 

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick

Giannis Antetokounmpo would instantly become the core of the Warriors' championship push; his rare combination of rim-rushing athleticism, elite playmaking, and defensive versatility seamlessly complements Curry and Butler. His presence (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG) would fix the Warriors' occasional postseason lack of interior dominance and switch-heavy defense. 

However, the financial and roster costs are immense. Milwaukee would demand far more than just draft capital, shipping back Kuminga and three rotation pieces forces GSW to recalibrate future windows. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggests that Giannis is unlikely to force a trade (for now), and the Bucks are expected to retain him. 

Still, anything can happen, because the Greek Freak was having discussions about his future with the team, and things change quickly in the NBA. If Giannis wants Golden State, the Bucks might have no choice but to make a deal. 

2. Kevin Durant

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)

Kevin Durant brings two championship rings from Golden State and remains an elite 3‑and‑D forward who finished last season posting 26.6 PPG on 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from deep; his ability to stretch the floor and shoulder scoring loads remains elite. Reuniting Durant with Curry and Draymond would recreate the original “Hamptons Five” dynamic, restoring the high-volume spacing, playmaking synergy, and finals-proven pedigree. 

There is a reason why Steve Kerr and the Warriors tried to acquire him before the trade deadline, after all. Even if Durant wasn't interested in joining at the time, that doesn't mean he won't be this summer.

Durant flat-out declined a mid-season deal last year, citing his desire for offseason clarity. A summer reunion is possible, but Phoenix likely demands young upside (Kuminga) plus expiring pieces and picks. And given Durant’s $55M salary, GSW would have to sacrifice future flexibility and youth. While cap-friendly, the upside is a loaded title contender, if chemistry clicks and injuries hold.

3. Zach LaVine

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Zach LaVine

Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Buddy Hield, Moses Moody

Zach LaVine brings elite shooting (51.1/44.6 FG/3PT splits) and mid-range proficiency, traits that fit well as a high-efficiency secondary scorer alongside Curry. At 30, he represents a younger scoring option than Butler and could extend the contention window. That means LaVine could become the second option behind Steph Curry as a result. 

Still, LaVine has long been perceived as somewhat of a ball-stopper, but rotation integration could be seamless once the sharpshooter finds his footing. If Sacramento’s future continues to sputter, they may demand an even larger haul. Still, from a tactical standpoint, adding LaVine (23.3 PPG) would boost outside shooting depth and pace almost overnight. This is a risk the Warriors might have to take if they can't strike on the top-two targets of the offseason. 

4. Myles Turner

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)

Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)

Myles Turner is a modern center, capable of stretching the floor with 3PT shooting (39.6%) and providing rim protection with 2.0 blocks per game. He's obviously a clear fit alongside Golden State’s guards, solving their persistent need for a defensive anchor who can roam and hedge without sacrificing pace. 

Turner could end up being the missing piece to a championship, even if he isn't an All-Star, and the Pacers losing in the Finals could see the big man testing free agency waters. 

Financially, Turner projects to offer good value at around $25M annually in a sign-and-trade, making him a middle ground between luxury and impact. Taking him in a sign-and-trade preserves GSW’s cap for future tweaks, while giving up Kuminga and a future pick may sting in the long view, but it addresses the glaring big-man need in a title window.

5. Cam Johnson

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Cam Johnson

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Cam Johnson is a polished 3‑and‑D wing averaging 18.8 PPG and dialing in around $20M, an ideal complementary piece for Curry’s playmaking. His combination of perimeter shooting and defense allows Golden State to stagger its lineups with high-volume spacing, pushing Butler into a far more important secondary role.

Brooklyn may ask for more than just Kuminga, but GSW’s cap sheet could accommodate a sign-and-trade. Forum chatter notes Johnson’s contract is viewed as a bargain, which may make the price steep. But strategically, he’s arguably the lowest-risk rotation upgrade, young enough for scalability, but proven enough to help in the here and now.

6. Walker Kessler

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

At 23, Walker Kessler offers elite rim protection (2.4 blocks per game) and rebounding, with impressive third-year stats and finishing inside at 66.3% shooting. His mobility and length fit the Warriors’ defensive scheme, anchoring a switch-heavy defense and allowing the frontcourt to rotate fluidly. Moreover, his floor-spacing potential (a developing mid-range touch) aligns with the pace-and-space ethos of Curry-led teams.

However, concerns linger about his lack of athleticism and traditional back-to-the-basket style, which some analysts think could limit his effectiveness in the pick-and-roll-heavy modern NBA. Utah might be willing to take a stab at Kuminga, so the Warriors could pounce quickly. If acquired, Kessler could plug the gap left by Looney, becoming both a defensive anchor and a potential long-term starter.

7. Clint Capela

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2029 Second-Round Pick (ATL)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Clint Capela is the quintessential rim-runner (8.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG), elite at rebounding and rim protecting while thriving off offensive rebounds and alley-oops. As a low-risk, high-reward free agent, he’d upgrade Golden State’s interior toughness, allowing Draymond Green to roam and switch freely. He’s a budget-friendly veteran available via sign-and-trade, and even r/warriors fans suggest he could be a "cheaper and easier to attain" anchor.

His offensive limitations are well known: no spacing, limited post moves, so he'd be strictly a role player. Hawks may demand picks and salary, but a small package (S&T + late picks) could fit. Capela is a near-perfect defensive complement who can sustain a title push without hindering offensive chemistry.

8. Khris Middleton

 

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Khris Middleton (Sign-and-Trade)

Washington Wizards Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)

Khris Middleton is both a former NBA champion and elite secondary playmaker, praised for his organized offense and clutch shooting. He’d seamlessly slot as a 3-and-D wing, alleviating offensive burdens on Curry and Butler while providing veteran leadership. His ability to create offense and play alongside stars is often undervalued, and analysts have floated his fit in Golden State’s core.

He'd likely be willing to go to a contender, and the Warriors could get rid of Kuminga if it means bringing in another win-now veteran. Staying healthy is key for Middleton, as his ankle issues are a known risk. If signed, Middleton could extend the Warriors’ window by bringing wisdom, spacing, and championship DNA on a team-friendly deal.

9. Brook Lopez

 

Lopez remains a stretch-five specialist, spacing the floor with 37.3% 3PT, protecting the rim, and offering seasoned veteran presence. He's consistently linked to the Warriors and Lakers, and we view him as a “white whale” free-agent addition who can stabilize the second unit.

At 37, he's no long-term solution, but his impact would be immediate: bringing perimeter shooting, rim protection, and experience. Likely willing to sign a 1-2 year deal at the taxpayer mid-level (around $5.7M), he’d allow Golden State to balance their books while filling a clear positional void.

10. Gary Trent Jr.

 

Trent exploded late in the 2024-25 season (finishing the season with averages of 11.1 PPG on 41.6% 3-PT FG), proving himself a confident wingshooter and two-way contributor. Multiple teams, including Milwaukee, are interested in retaining him at around $8-10M, though cap constraints loom large. His hustle, defense, and stroke from deep would make him a perfect bench spark plug for Golden State.

He would bring depth, energy, and perimeter shooting when starters are resting, and his one-year timeline fits a team in win-now mode. Plus, the Warriors' championship pedigree and culture could entice him toward a team-friendly offer around $8M, giving them valuable spacing and flexibility.