The Warriors have tough decisions to make this offseason, which could include parting ways with some of their established veterans or promising, young stars.
While it's unclear what Golden State's path forward should be, it's clear that there needs to be change. Both players like Draymond Green and executives like general manager Mike Dunleavy recognize the Warriors need to change things up this offseason after two consecutive early postseason exits.
While Golden State might not be able to do much in NBA free agency outside of re-signing veteran guard Klay Thompson, it can improve through the trade market. ESPN's Zach Lowe laid out in his latest column what trade assets the Warriors could use to land a star player via trade.
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The first, and perhaps most important trade assets, are the two future first-round picks the Warriors are eligible to trade this offseason and any potential first-round pick swaps. Lowe believes these can be packaged with one of the Warriors' young stars in a trade for a win-now player this offseason.
"Depending on their willingness to trade one core young player, Golden State could butt into (some) conversations for win-now veterans who become available," Lowe wrote. "[Jonathan] Kuminga would have the most appeal, but the Warriors' brain trust remains very high on his potential, sources said."
The other potential trade assets the Warriors have are a pair of polarizing veterans who, despite their baggage, still offer plenty of upside.
Although Dunleavy and coach Steve Kerr already have said they envision Green remaining on the team next season, Lowe believes the fiery veteran forward could have some trade value.
Golden State Warriors
"They have a decision to make on Green, whose volatility has worn on several within the organization, sources said," Lowe explained. "But everyone within the team understands how good Green still is -- one of the league's best defenders, and an orchestrator of the Golden State motion offense who enjoys rare chemistry with Curry.
"Finding a team willing to trade significant future assets for Green would be tricky; he is owed $77 million over the next three seasons, and the rest of the league has watched the chaos of the past 24 months."
The other is forward Andrew Wiggins, who is coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season and is two years removed from his one and only All-Star campaign during the Warriors' 2022 NBA championship run.
"Wiggins has three years and almost $90 million left on his deal, and just completed a mostly disappointing season," Lowe added. "His salary would be handy in any major trade, but rivals might view his contract as a net negative -- and ask the Warriors to attach an asset to compensate, sources said. Golden State is not quite deep enough in trade assets to be able to afford that."
While the Warriors are unlikely to trade any of their current or future foundational players, they showed with last offseason's blockbuster Jordan Poole-for-Chris Paul trade that they are willing to make a splash if the right opportunity is presented to them.
Will any of these assets be on the move this offseason? And are the Warriors one big trade away from returning to championship contention? Only time will tell.