Golden State Warriors’ Offseason Needs

The Golden State Warriors advanced to the NBA Playoffs with a 121-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the Chase Center on April 15. The Warriors faced the Houston Rockets in the NBA Western Conference First Round, winning in seven games, and then the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing in five games.

The Warriors’ short-term success might not lead to long-term success. Jimmy Butler suffered a left pelvic contusion in Game 2 of the First Round, but returned in Game 4. Stephen Curry suffered a left hamstring strain and remained sidelined for the remainder of the Timberwolves series. The Warriors might want to consider a rebuild this offseason, as the signing of Butler, 35, to a two-year deal has worked out. However, Butler needs a supporting cast. Here are some possibilities.

Golden State Warriors’ Offseason Needs

As mentioned, Butler needs a supporting cast to succeed in the 2025-26 NBA season. Butler can’t carry the team on his back, especially after Curry suffered a left hamstring injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Curry, 37, appears to remain committed to retiring with the Warriors, but nothing is guaranteed. That said, Golden State should acquire another star player to add to the Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green mix.

At the end of the day, Golden State calls the shots. However, Golden State has been linked to Utah Jazz Forward Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen, 27, previously played for the Chicago Bulls from 2017 to 2021 and the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2021 to 2022. Markkanen’s versatility and shooting skills would give the Warriors a better chance of returning to the NBA Playoffs in 2026.

Golden State Warriors’ Outlook

The Golden State Warriors aren’t dead, per se, but they are arguably dying. The Warriors are on the brink of a rather bleak future without Curry, Green, and Butler. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr believes the Warriors could’ve gone the distance if Curry stayed healthy. But do Kerr’s latest comments really matter? Warriors fans have been demanding the team fire Kerr, 59, as soon as possible. However, Kerr has won four NBA championships with the Warriors and will likely stay in San Francisco.

If Kerr stays with the Warriors, a rebuild should be a priority. The Golden State Warriors should consider acquiring a star player, signing a center, and letting Jonathan Kuminga walk to get a valued player in return. The Warriors should also consider adding reliable 3-point shooters. After all, Golden State was 15th in 3-point percentage and 20th in effective field-goal coverage this season.

Final Thoughts

The Golden State Warriors’ regular season and postseason struggles were clear as day, but mostly during the postseason. Wednesday’s loss was an extremely depressing way for the Warriors to walk out of the arena, while the Minnesota Timberwolves punched their tickets to the NBA Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves are awaiting their next opponent in the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets.

But, for now, Curry raised eyebrows with an odd comment after the Warriors’ second-round exit. Curry told reporters, “Leave me alone this summer.” Curry’s comment might’ve been out of anger and/or sadness, as Curry was unable to contribute to the Warriors’ postseason run after the Warriors had a chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals and possibly the NBA Finals.