Three Potential Free Agents the Warriors Could Still Sign to Fill Out Their Roster
As the countdown to the 2025-2026 NBA season ticks under a month, the Warriors still need to fill out a few spots in their roster. While fans await to see both when and how this stalemate with Jonathan Kuminga and his camp will end, here are a few potential signees. Before getting to the list, I must note that no specific rumors are tied to these players except for the first mention; it’s pure speculation based on team needs. Let’s dive in!
Starting things off with a likely candidate, granted his history with Golden State, Gary Payton II. The Warriors probably will look to bring him back, given their current shortage of guards. He’s a familiar face who knows the team extremely well, and he will have a definitive role under the Steve Kerr system. He fits in well with the Warriors’ defensive identity, and if he can knock down some corner threes, his value will prove crucial to a potential run in the playoffs. For all this is worth, Payton II was also seen yesterday with a few fellow teammates enjoying themselves at the Laver Cup, an annual tennis competition taking place in Chase Center this year. Though not officially a member yet, I would expect the three-and-D veteran to bolster this squad.
Sticking with the theme of guards, I believe that Malik Beasley is another player that the “Dubs” may look at. Beasley enjoyed his best points-per-game average since 2020 last year, with 16.3 as a part of the Detroit Pistons. He was also one of 11 players that played all 82 games, so despite entering his tenth season, durability shouldn’t scare teams off. He could bring buckets in bunches off the bench, and would, in theory, lead the Warriors’ second group. An experienced veteran, Beasley would make total sense for the team to explore.
In terms of forwards, Golden State was tied to former Celtic Al Horford earlier during the offseason, but those talks seemed to fizzle out as the summer progressed. So how about a guy like Trey Lyles? There’s not much flair about this name, but no name that sticks out is still available at this time. Lyles played 69 games last year with the Kings, averaging 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. The stats might not seem lucrative, but I think that the stylistic fit is there. Lyles can space the floor and is a decent rebounder, with the latter quality being an area for concern for a few years now in the Bay. The Warriors need bodies, and this six-foot-nine forward should help that cause.
