Golden State Warriors' 2026 draft and free agency strategy explained

The Warriors are prioritizing long-term roster health while exploring high-end free agents and draft options in 2026.

Kerr’s return and roster philosophy During the three-week deliberation before Steve Kerr agreed to continue coaching the Golden State Warriors, front office voices admitted mild surprise that Kerr remained so committed to long-term stability despite what appears to be a final competitive push. The team’s leadership stressed avoiding short-term sacrifices, such as trading away future draft picks for minimal upgrades. One high-ranking source in the organization stated, 'It’s what should’ve been done four years ago. But not now.' The Giannis Antetokounmpo talks served as a gauge of their mindset; while the Warriors pushed hard for him at February’s trade deadline, offseason discussions with Milwaukee showed a firm retreat, signaling a shift in their approach. ## LeBron James as a potential target If negotiations between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers collapse and the 22-time All-Star seeks a 24th NBA season elsewhere, the Warriors would consider making a serious offer, according to team sources. However, their internal research continues to point toward James re-signing with the Lakers, and the Warriors are currently planning their summer with that outcome in mind. Their potential pitch would involve clearing the entire $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception—a cost-effective, low-risk move with on-court and financial advantages. James fits the profile for that spending window, and the Warriors could add a second-year player option to involve Stephen Curry in the recruitment process if needed. Still, the team has not initiated contact because no indication exists that such an opening will emerge. ## Kawhi Leonard’s availability and hurdles The Warriors contacted Kawhi Leonard’s camp both before and after the February trade deadline, with the Los Angeles Clippers engaging more aggressively than in past cycles. Despite the Warriors’ interest, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer ultimately vetoed any deal. Unlike LeBron, Leonard would demand a package of players and future draft assets, plus a substantial extension from his $50.3 million expiring contract, making him a riskier long-term investment. Team sources still view him as a prime wing target for a win-now push if the price aligns, but league sources confirm Ballmer remains firmly opposed to trading Leonard, preferring instead to build around him. ## Trey Murphy III as a possible wing upgrade New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III stands out as a more attainable name in this cycle, with league sources noting New Orleans has shown openness to moving him despite retaining him tightly. The Warriors have long scouted Murphy as an ideal wing who fits their system and, at 25, aligns with their goal of getting younger. The Pelicans have resisted offers so far, but they have hinted at jumping into the first round of next week’s draft. Golden State holds the 11th overall pick and control over their own future first-round selections, giving them leverage in potential trades. ## Focus on the 2026 first-round pick Golden State’s general manager Mike Dunleavy and his front office have spent nearly a month evaluating options tied to the 11th overall pick. Internal excitement has grown around prospects in that range, reinforcing the league’s view that the Warriors will guard their draft asset closely in trade talks. Owner Joe Lacob and executive vice president Kirk Lacob have participated in the process, while Kerr has attended workouts at the facility. Still, this remains Dunleavy’s call—a pivotal decision for a recently extended GM navigating the transition between the final chapter of Stephen Curry’s era and what comes next. ## Yaxel Lendeborg emerges as an 11th-pick candidate Michigan wing Yaxel Lendeborg visited San Francisco last week alongside a collection of second-round prospects and left a strong impression, team sources said, solidifying internal belief that he could be a 6-foot-9 frontcourt piece ready to contribute immediately. One team source remarked, 'The fit is so obvious.' However, his age—24, just one week older than Jonathan Kuminga, whom the Warriors traded in February—will factor into the decision, especially in a deep lottery where several younger prospects may slip. The Warriors will weigh his readiness against the value of waiting for a younger option. ## Potential swing at Brayden Burries and others Arizona guard Brayden Burries, now 20, has declined workouts with select teams inside the top 10—including the Sacramento Kings at No. 7—though league sources believe the Dallas Mavericks at No. 9 could be a preferred destination. Burries appears aware he might slide further, and the Warriors are seen as a strong fallback option. He is scheduled to work out for Golden State on Thursday, the same day the Warriors host Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. and Washington center Hannes Steinbach. Other notable names include Michigan center Aday Mara, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., and Houston guard Kingston Flemings, all considered top-10 talents without scheduled Warriors workouts but with scouts in the building monitoring potential fallers. ## Draymond Green’s player option decision Draymond Green must decide whether to exercise his $27.6 million player option before the June 29 deadline. Team sources have long signaled that Golden State’s interest in a decline-and-extend deal hinges on first-year savings—dropping his salary into roughly the $20 million range—to free cap space for roster upgrades elsewhere. Mike Dunleavy has been in contact with Green’s agent Rich Paul, and while a deal could still materialize in the next two weeks, the prevailing expectation is that Green will take his player option and return on a one-year, $27.6 million expiring contract. That would make him a prime salary-matching piece in potential trade scenarios later this season, though team sources praise his handling of trade rumors last year and express mutual desire for him to finish his career with the franchise if conditions align. ## Porzingis, Horford, and Melton in free agency mix Negotiations with impending free agent Kristaps Porzingis restarted after the NBA Finals concluded, with the Warriors preferring to bring him back on a shorter deal at a reduced rate below his $30.7 million salary from last season. Momentum toward a reunion appears to be building, league sources said. Veteran center Al Horford holds a $5.9 million player option due June 29, while veteran guard De’Anthony Melton can decline his $3.4 million option to test free agency, with the Warriors expected to pursue him depending on market price. Once the roster picture clarifies, Golden State plans to address longer-term deals later in the summer. ## Extensions and long-term planning Fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski is eligible for an extension and has expressed interest in finalizing an agreement. Team and league sources indicate openness and optimism that a deal can happen once talks begin closer to the October deadline. Stephen Curry remains extension-eligible in late August, and Curry and management have reaffirmed their shared goal of keeping him as the franchise’s iconic one-franchise leader. Dunleavy stated, 'We’ve always stated we want Steph to finish his career here, be here as long as he wants. I don’t see a scenario where we don’t want to figure out a way to have him finish here.' Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, is midway through rehabbing a torn ACL and cannot pursue an extension until February, when more will be known about his recovery timeline.