The Golden State Warriors now enter a pivotal off-season after a second-round exit in the 2024-2025 NBA playoffs.
With a core made up of aging superstars and limited salary cap flexibility, the Dubs’ front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., will need to make savvy personnel decisions to thrust the organization once again into championship contention.
So, with that in mind, these are four realistic players the Warriors should target this offseason.
De’Anthony Melton, SG/PG
Before suffering a season-ending ACL tear just six games into last year’s campaign, De’Anthony Melton appeared to fit well with the Golden State Warriors’ system.
Melton gave the Dubs another skilled ball-handler to help orchestrate their offense. He was also an excellent on-ball defender for the opposing team’s leading scoring threat.
The 27-year-old’s season-ending injury this past year, paired with him only appearing in 44 of 164 possible contests over the past two seasons, will no doubt leave some looming injury concerns for interested teams.
Still, if the Warriors can scoop up Melton for the veteran minimum this off-season, they should certainly kick the tires on doing so.
Brook Lopez, C
Outside of the recent emergence of 2024 second-round selection Quinten Post, the Warriors have consistently failed to inject a true floor-spacing big man into their lineups. This is a decision that seemingly defies modern NBA trends.
That said, if the Warriors can bring in a talented, proven veteran like Brook Lopez to help fill the team’s need at the position, they should pull the trigger.
Apart from giving the Dubs a roughly 37% perimeter-shooting big man to help bolster their offense, adding Lopez to their roster would also give the team another valuable veteran presence with legitimate playoff experience.
While his rim-protecting ability may not be as intimidating as previous years, Lopez still profiles as a solid defender on the low block.
That said, securing Lopez’s services won’t be easy. He is expected to garner significant interest on the open market.
Moritz Wagner, PF/C
Since the Orlando Magic drafted him in the 2018 NBA Draft, Moritz Wagner has carved out a respectable role as a versatile scoring big man within the team’s rotation.
2024-25 appeared to be his best year in the league thus far. He posted a career-high 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 56.2% shooting from the field.
Wagner suffered a torn ACL in late December, which forced him to miss the remainder of the Magic’s 2024-2025 season.
Now, Wagner is set to enter the unrestricted free agent market this off-season. Golden State makes a lot of sense as a potential landing spot for him.
Adding a player like Wagner would give the Warriors a high-motor, high-efficiency scoring forward who can give the Dubs a much-needed “offensive punch” off their bench.
Of course, the ACL injury this past season will certainly raise some eyebrows. It may also allow the Dubs to acquire a player like Wagner at a favorable price on the open market.
If the Warriors are indeed looking to improve their bench unit, a player like Wagner would be a solid addition by all accounts.
Kevon Looney, PF/C
Over the years, Kevon Looney has established himself as an important piece within the Dubs’ rotation. The team secured three championships over his ten years in the Bay Area.
Head Coach Steve Kerr has long vouched for Looney. He has consistently praised his abilities on the floor and his willingness to step into different roles within the rotation.
However, the Dubs possess limited cap space moving forward, and the former UCLA Bruin currently plans to enter the unrestricted free agency market this offseason. A tough decision is on the horizon.
Looney is well-versed in the Dubs’ offensive and defensive schemes. He also stands as an example of successful development within the organization.
Looney certainly can’t space the floor like other big-man options available in free agency. His rebounding and pick-and-roll skills have proven valuable to the Dubs over the years.
Overall, if the Warriors opt to stick with consistency and bring Looney back this offseason, a team-friendly deal makes the most sense.
Decisions loom for the Warriors this offseason.
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