What’s the Next Step for an Aging Warriors Group Beyond 2026?
The Warriors surprised many NBA fans by taking down the Los Angeles Clippers in a comeback between the ninth and 10th seeds. However, their road in this year’s postseason contention didn’t last much longer, as they got knocked out of the Play-In Tournament by the Phoenix Suns. It’s time to admit that, given the end-of-season circumstances, anything further than what the team did would’ve been overachieving. There’s not much certainty about how similar next year’s group will be to this one, but some important choices will need to be made during this offseason.
The Warriors have quite a few free agents, but in my opinion, the biggest question that Golden State will need to answer is whether or not to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis. Steve Kerr probably imagined using ‘The Unicorn’ a little differently, and certainly without as many health complications as what showed up after the trade. His recent history would probably make most fans want to let him walk, but he undoubtedly fits Kerr’s system very well. He allows the Warriors to play five-wide on offense and offers the biggest body to defend other centers, an issue that’s plagued Golden State for a while. Ultimately, both options make sense for different reasons, but I’d personally like to see Porzingis back next year on a team-friendly deal.
Another dilemma that will require the front office’s touch is replacing the players with long-term injuries, like Moses Moody. The five-year vet suffered a gruesome injury to multiple ligaments on his left leg, prematurely ending his best season as a pro. He faces a long road to recovery and is expected to miss the 2026-2027 season. Golden State will need to address this hole, because it would otherwise suffer in its shooting. That would most likely happen in free agency, though going that route in the draft would not shock me.
Without any concrete updates in the first few days of their postseason, it’s hard to speculate on Kerr’s position at the head of Golden State’s bench. That topic will gain more traction in the summer, but for now, the Warriors must make important salary decisions. For yet another offseason, the team from the Bay may have its hands full more than any other squad. Will this summer be more interesting than the last, or will the Warriors leave everything until September again? The only certain thing is that the league will have its eyes on Golden State and how its decision will alter its competitors’ plans.
