The Golden State Warriors were in all-out playoff mode last season, making it to the Western Conference Semifinals, but coming up short of a Western Conference Finals appearance due to the unfortunate hamstring injury sustained by Stephen Curry in Game 1.
The Dubs rolled through the second half of the season, following the arrival of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, finishing with a 23-7 record. The Warriors would go on to upset the two-seeded Rockets in the first round, finishing the job in seven games.
Many fans considered the season a success and a preview of what was to come for the following ones, believing that only a few more rotational pieces were needed in order to win another NBA Championship.
This offseason, the Warriors have not yet added any new players to the existing roster and have even lost valued players such as Kevon Looney. The team’s reasoning for the lack of moves is that the front office wants to handle the Jonathan Kuminga situation before making any transactions.
The offseason for the Dubs has been abysmal to say the least, but there are still many players who can be key contributors on a championship team left on the free agency market.
Seth Curry (PG/SG)
Seth Curry, the brother of Steph, has been one of the most consistent three-point shooters in the NBA since he arrived in the league in 2013. Curry has shot 43.3% from beyond the arc over the course of his career, which is well above the league average.
On top of his shooting ability, Seth brings even more veteran leadership to the young guys on the Warriors roster. And it goes without saying, he has on-court chemistry with his older brother.
Seth knows what winning looks like. He was a key piece of many strong Eastern Conference title contenders in recent years, such as Joel Embiid‘s 76ers and Kevin Durant‘s Nets. He also made the Western Conference Finals with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019.
Seth could play a role similar to that of Shaun Livingston, a veteran guard who brings leadership and basketball IQ.
Seth Curry averaged 6.5 points with the Hornets, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 45.6% from three last season, which led the league.
DeAnthony Melton (SG/PG)
DeAnthony Melton, who was on the Warriors’ roster last season, was traded by the Dubs to the Brooklyn Nets to free up a roster spot, following a season-ending ACL injury.
In his short stint, Melton proved to be perfect for the Warriors’ system. He helped lead them to a 9-2 record leading up to his injury.
Melton quickly became a fan favorite in the Bay due to his lockdown defense, high basketball IQ, and consistent shooting abilities.
If the Warriors want to be a strong contender next season, picking up Melton is a “no-brainer,” as he has already shown how effective and valuable he is to the team.
Melton averaged 10.3 PPG, 1.2 SPG, while shooting 40.7% from the field, and 37.1% from three with the Dubs last season.
Al Horford (C/PF)
Al Horford is recognized across the league as one of the premier stretch bigs that the NBA has to offer.
Horford has shot 37.7% from three over the course of his career, while also being a powerful force in the paint, who can get to the rim or send shots away at the other end.
Horford has played for the Boston Celtics in recent years, serving as a key piece to the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship team.
Horford’s contract expired following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, and the Warriors have been engaged in talks with the 39-year-old center since the start of free agency.
The Warriors anticipate Al Horford to be on the roster by the time training camp starts in late September.
Horford averaged 9.0 points, 42.3% from the field, and 36.3% from three with Boston last year.
Ben Simmons (PF/PG)
After reaching a contract buyout with the Los Angeles Clippers, Ben Simmons has entered the free agency market.
Ben Simmons offers the Warriors another seasoned veteran with a high basketball IQ and elite passing ability.
Simmons has had a rough last couple of NBA seasons, mainly dealing with injuries and personal issues. A new environment could be all Ben Simmons needs to get back to where he was a few years ago.
Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with the Clippers and Nets a season ago.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors have plenty of open roster spots available for the upcoming NBA season, and there are many capable players available on the free agent market to help the Warriors win.
Only time will tell what moves the Warriors make to improve their roster, but they need to make moves fast as the NBA season approaches.
The 2025-26 season tips off on Oct. 21 with the Warriors and Lakers facing off.
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