TITLE: Warriors Enter 2026 Offseason Balancing Injuries, Payroll and Key Decisions
SLUG: warriors-2026-offseason-preview
CONTENT:
The Golden State Warriors open the 2026 offseason with two pressing issues: nearly $70 million committed to injured starters Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, and uncertain contract situations for Draymond Green and Kristaps Porziņģis.
2025/26 Recap
Golden State began last season hoping to replicate the surge it enjoyed after acquiring Butler at the 2025 trade deadline. The club went 23-8 to close the 2024/25 regular season, climbed from 10th to seventh in the West and reached the conference semifinals before Stephen Curry hurt his knee.
Instead of a major overhaul, the front office swapped Kevon Looney for Al Horford, retained De’Anthony Melton on a minimum deal, and re-signed Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II. Kuminga’s restricted free agency dragged into training camp before he accepted a two-year, $46.8 million contract structured for mid-season trade flexibility. Seth Curry joined in November once the team slipped below the first apron hard cap.
Season-Derailing Injuries
Golden State opened 2025/26 at 6-6, then lost Butler to a torn ACL on January 19. Less than two weeks later, Curry was diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome and did not play again until April 5. Horford and Seth Curry battled sciatica, Kristaps Porziņģis appeared in only 15 of the final 31 games, and Moody tore his patellar tendon in late March.
The club finished 37-45, earned the West’s No. 10 seed, beat the Clippers in the 9/10 play-in game and fell to Phoenix for the final playoff berth.
Key Roster Moves
Amid mounting tension, Kuminga requested a trade on the first day he became eligible. In February, the Warriors sent Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta for Porziņģis. The team was also linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo talks, with Green reportedly the primary salary-matching piece, but Milwaukee kept its star.
Coaching Situation
After briefly weighing his future, Steve Kerr signed a new two-year contract to remain head coach.
Offseason Priorities
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kerr have labeled re-signing Porziņģis a priority, though the 30-year-old center’s market value is difficult to predict following a 32-game season. Green holds a $27.7 million player option identical to the amount he declined in 2023 before agreeing to a four-year, $100 million deal. His decision will heavily influence the Warriors’ cap flexibility.
With Butler ($56.8 million) and Moody ($12.5 million) still months from returning, Golden State must determine whether to commit additional salary or seek cost-saving moves while keeping its championship window alive.
Source: Hoops Rumors
