The Golden State Warriors’ 2026-27 season is shaping up to be as exciting as it is uncertain.
Golden State entered last season filled with promise after turning their season around after Jimmy Butler’s acquisition. But the team struggled early and never fully gained any ground.
Stephen Curry battled injuries for most of last season. Any hopes to make a big playoff push were squashed when Jimmy Butler tore his ACL. On top of that, the Warriors turned the page on Jonathan Kuminga — the one player thought to potentially carry the torch after the Curry Era.
With Butler and Moses Moody expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season, the Warriors will have their backs against the wall on opening night. Still, any team with Curry should never be counted out.
After what appeared to be a disappointing offseason for much of the summer, Mike Dunleavy Jr. acquired some help. Golden State added sharpshooter Georges Niang, shifty guard Brandon Williams, and most notably—drafted NCAA champion Yaxel Lendeborg.
Although injuries will be one of the team’s largest concerns, they have made solid upgrades to the roster and have a chance to compete.
Biggest Offseason Loss: Quinten Post
Over the offseason, the Warriors lost big man Quinten Post after he signed a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the Dubs made some moves over the summer, they didn’t add another center. Golden State still rosters Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis — two shooting bigs — who will be relied on more to fill that void.
The biggest losses, though, are Moody and Butler. Both are still on the roster but injured.
Without Kuminga, Butler, and Moody, the wing position has taken a hit. Butler was not only the team’s second-best player. He was one of their best two-way threats. The 37-year-old had the best assist-to-turnover ratio on the team (minimum 15 minutes a game), while averaging the most minutes played.
He was also one of the most efficient guys on the roster. His high IQ and playmaking ability allowed Steve Kerr to insert him alongside a variety of players.
In addition to Butler, Moody’s loss will be felt heavily because he was the Warriors’ go-to 3-and-D guy.
He put up the best shooting season of his career from three-point range last season and guarded opponents’ toughest wings and big guards. His size, shooting, and ability to switch onto multiple different players made him a key staple of several Warriors’ lineups.
Incoming rookie Yaxel Lendeborg will likely have to take on a large role at the forward spot until/if Moody and Butler return this season.
Team’s Biggest Offseason Addition: Yaxel Lendeborg
Besides Lendeborg’s skillset being more needed than ever, he is the team’s biggest offseason addition. The 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year averaged 15.1 points and 37.2% from three during his senior year at the University of Michigan.
Kerr previously commended his playing style and natural feel for the game as important assets for the Warriors. What has stuck out most to Kerr is the Summer League MVP’s passing. According to him, he may even need to push Lendeborg to be back-and-forthmore aggressive to maximize his skill set.
At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Lendeborg’s frame makes him an elite finisher at the rim and a respectable defensive force. He is an excellent rebounder and thrives in transition and cutting to the rim. Playing next to the greatest shooter of all time will open up the floor for him to get open looks from three and punish defenses.
Additionally, Curry is looking forward to the confidence and energy the 23-year-old will bring to the group. Although Lendeborg is considered old by NBA rookie standards, he is still one of the team’s youngest players.
It will be intriguing to watch his outgoing, boisterous personality mesh with his teammates in the locker room.
Warriors’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome:
In a perfect world, Lendeborg looks like the promising player the Warriors hope he can be. He fits in alongside the vets and young guys, and plays a substantial role in the team winning.
Health will be the biggest factor in an ideal scenario. In this scenario, Curry has great luck with health, and his knee injury from last season becomes an afterthought.
If the Warriors can maintain overall health, they will have a chance to at least compete for another NBA title.
Ideally, Butler and Moody return this season and can still contribute to team success. It will be important for the Warriors not to fall behind early on. If that happens, they may end up needing Butler and/or Moody to rescue their season.
If the complementary players play well around Curry, they will give the team the luxury of easing Butler and Moody back into play slowly, rather than relying on them to be heroes.
The best-case scenario includes Golden State hovering as the top-six seed in the West and avoiding the Play-In Tournament.
While envisioning a perfect world, the Warriors would enter the playoffs at full strength. The team establishes chemistry and has an identity, giving themselves a shot at a championship.
Warriors’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome:
The Warriors’ biggest hindrance in contending for a title in recent years has been health. A worst-case scenario means the team — particularly Curry — is battling nagging injuries, like last season.
If Butler returns but looks nothing like his former self and becomes too much of a liability, the Warriors will be in trouble. Or worse, he suffers a setback, or the team trades him for a player who can’t contribute right away.
Lendeborg’s significance this season also can not be overstated. The Warriors can’t afford another draftee who doesn’t fit the team or underperforms relative to expectations.
Another area to watch is the team’s chemistry. Lendeborg and Draymond Green appeared to get off to a rocky start after making back-and-forth comments over the summer.
The relationship between those two, and the whole group, is essential to whether the team can come together. If the chemistry is off or players don’t buy into their roles, it could mean trouble.
The Warriors’ worst-case scenario is falling outside of the Play-In bracket and missing the postseason altogether.
Warriors’ Biggest Question Heading Into 2026-27 Season
The Warriors’ biggest question heading into the upcoming season (other than health) is whether or not they can stay afloat until Moody and Butler return.
There is no guarantee Moody or Butler will return and look like the same player after injury. Their uncertain status means it is more imperative for the Warriors to steady the ship without them. It is unreasonable to expect Butler to turn their season around as he did in 2024-25.
Assuming Golden State can maintain a top-six seed without their injured wings, adding them back should only strengthen their team. The Warriors will not be able to do so unless the aforementioned matters come to fruition: Lendeborg plays a big role in winning, the team stays healthy, and players get along with one another.
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