Golden State Warriors 2025 Offseason Breakdown: Retool, Not Rebuild
Main Move:
Traded Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade, 3yr/$75.6M) to the Bulls
Received: Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Smith
Free Agent Signings: Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, De'Anthony Melton
🧩 Why This Works:
Balanced Depth Over Star-Hunting This isn't a splashy blockbuster. Instead, the Warriors reloaded with solid rotational depth across the board:
Ayo Dosunmu brings defensive toughness and secondary ball-handling.
Jalen Smith gives them a young, modern big who can stretch the floor (career 33% from three) and rebound.
Brogdon & Melton stabilize the backcourt behind Steph with reliable scoring and defense.
Al Horford is a veteran voice and stretch big who can mentor and plug minutes in high-IQ lineups.
Cap-Smart Strategy Despite a +$67M cap impact, the Warriors stay under the second apron due to smart contracts (short-term deals, low risk). They're over the tax, but avoid long-term damage.
Immediate Upgrade in Experience and Fit Kuminga has upside, but this core is built to compete now. The additions fit the system: spacing, ball movement, defense, and playoff composure.
Team Identity Restored The roster looks like a classic Kerr-era unit—multiple playmakers, versatile defenders, and veterans who know how to win:
Bench units with Brogdon, Podz, Melton, Smith, can hold leads.
Small-ball death lineups with Horford at 5, Draymond at 4, and switchable guards are back in play.
🔍 Final Roster Highlights: Guards: Steph, Brogdon, Melton, Ayo, Podziemski
Wings: Jimmy Butler, Moody, Buddy Hield, Gui
Bigs: Draymond, Horford, Jalen Smith, TJD, Quinten Post
Deep, experienced, and flexible.
🔚 Verdict: This is the kind of offseason that doesn't chase headlines but wins games. The Warriors stay competitive, extend Steph's window, and bring back the identity that made them dangerous: smart, tough, team-first basketball.