Steph, Dray, and the Sunset Years: A New Era Looms in Golden State
The Warriors will face a tough decision if another team presents Jonathan Kuminga with a massive offer sheet. As a restricted free agent, Golden State has the right to match any offer, but financial flexibility will play a big role in determining their move. If a team with cap space offers Kuminga a contract the Warriors deem excessive, they may be forced to let him walk. Losing Kuminga would not only be a blow to their plans but also a missed opportunity to develop a potential two-way star who fits the modern NBA mold. Unless a financial curveball derails negotiations, it is in the Warriors’ best interest to bring him back and build around him.
Even if Kuminga departs, the Warriors have a few other young talents who could develop into key pieces for the future. Brandin Podziemski, the 19th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has already established himself as a reliable contributor. In his second season, Podziemski averaged 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes per game. His playmaking, basketball IQ, and hustle have earned him the trust of both coaches and teammates. While he may not project as a franchise player, Podziemski’s skill set and work ethic suggest he could become an elite complementary piece, perhaps a strong second or third option on a contending team.
Moses Moody is another young Warrior worth watching. At 22 years old, he’s still developing but has already shown glimpses of his potential. Although he has averaged just seven points per game throughout his career, Moody has had stretches where he scores 20 or more and brings intensity on the defensive end. His fluctuating role has made it difficult to assess his full capabilities, but his size, versatility, and commitment on defense give him a chance to earn a more permanent role. If given more consistent minutes and responsibility, Moody could become a valuable two-way shooting guard in the Warriors’ next chapter.
Quinten Post, a rookie seven-footer, also offers intriguing upside. Averaging eight points per game in only 16 minutes, Post impressed many with his ability to stretch the floor, shooting 40% from three-point range. His size and shooting touch fill a long-standing need for the Warriors, who have lacked a true floor-spacing big for years. If Post continues to develop his rebounding, interior defense, and mobility, he could become a unique and valuable piece in Golden State’s evolving system. His potential to grow into a modern big man makes him one of the more under-the-radar assets on the roster.
As 2027 approaches, the Warriors face an inevitable changing of the guard. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are all projected to hit free agency that summer, and head coach Steve Kerr’s contract will also expire. All three players would be nearing 40, potentially signaling retirement or reduced roles, regardless of whether they stay with the team. Even if Golden State retains some of these veterans, they can no longer be the team’s core. The Warriors must begin the process of retooling now, with urgency and purpose, to avoid a full-blown rebuild.
Although Jonathan Kuminga was benched at the end of the regular season, a Curry injury in Game One of the second-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves gave Kuminga an opportunity. He would take advantage of this opportunity, averaging 24 points per game in the next four games. Although his efforts didn’t lead to any wins, Kuminga remained the only consistent Warrior this series and potentially raised his value this offseason. Before Kuminga suffered an ankle injury in early January that would sideline him for about two months, he was playing the best stretch of basketball in his career. In his last 14 games before injury, Kuminga was averaging 20.9 points per game with six rebounds, including a few 30-point outbursts. He had a noticeable 33-point performance against the Houston Rockets without Steph that led to a Warriors six-point win.
Jonathan Kuminga might just be the best hope the Warriors have for a seamless transition into a new era. His scoring ability, defensive upside, and age all align with what a franchise looks for in a future star. While there are still areas to improve—especially rebounding and off-ball defense—his upward trajectory suggests he can thrive with the right opportunity and development. If Golden State commits to Kuminga and surrounds him with complementary pieces like Podziemski, Moody, and Post, they may very well avoid the painful rebuild many fear. The Warriors have a window to set the foundation for their next generation, but they’ll need to act decisively—and soon.
The Golden State Warriors are standing at a pivotal crossroads in franchise history. The era defined by Stephen Curry’s brilliance and championship pedigree is winding down, and the urgency to find a new cornerstone has never been greater. Jonathan Kuminga’s development and contract situation could very well determine the direction the franchise takes in the coming years. While promising young players like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post offer hope for a competitive future, none carry the ceiling that Kuminga has shown glimpses of. Whether Golden State chooses to double down on its rising talent or pivots toward a different strategy, the decisions made in the next two offseasons will shape the Warriors’ identity for the next decade. The torch is ready to be passed—now it's up to the organization to decide who will carry it.
