The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2026-27 season with limited expectations for major roster changes after finishing 37-45 and 10th in the Western Conference last season. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole described the coming campaign as a potential “gap year,” with Golden State prioritizing internal development over significant external additions.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. outlined that approach before the offseason, identifying turnovers as the Warriors’ primary issue rather than making an aggressive roster overhaul. Golden State averaged 16.0 turnovers per game during the 2025-26 season, while Stephen Curry committed 2.8 turnovers per game and Draymond Green averaged 2.7.
The Warriors’ season was heavily affected by injuries to their veteran core. Jimmy Butler appeared in only 38 games before suffering a season-ending torn right ACL on January 19, while Curry played 43 games and missed time with a knee injury. Moses Moody played 60 games before a torn patellar tendon ended his season after March 23.
Golden State was 25-19 and eighth in the Western Conference when Butler was injured. The Warriors fell to 12-26 after Butler’s injury and finished 37-45, 27 games behind the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
Curry remained productive when available, averaging 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. However, he played only 43 games, making availability a central factor in Golden State’s plans.
The Warriors also received limited production from Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in only 15 games. Al Horford played 45 games and averaged 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds, while the team is now counting on both veterans to remain available for a larger portion of the season.
Golden State’s offseason therefore centered on continuity. The Warriors retained Porzingis, Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II while re-signing Green to a one-year, $27.7 million contract. Curry is also eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $137 million, with both sides reportedly motivated to reach an agreement.
The Warriors added youth with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. Golden State also selected Florida State guard LaJae Jones at No. 54, giving the roster two inexpensive developmental options.
Lendeborg is expected to have the best opportunity to contribute immediately. The 6-foot-9 forward joins a roster that needs athleticism and frontcourt versatility while Butler and Moody recover from major injuries.
Golden State enters the season with a projected payroll above $249 million, significantly higher than the $200.4 million luxury-tax threshold and above the reported $221.7 million second-apron figure. Those financial restrictions limit the Warriors’ ability to add major salary through free agency or trades.
The plan is consequently straightforward: remain competitive with Curry, Butler and Green while developing younger players and reassessing the roster when Butler and Moody return. With Curry, Green and Butler potentially reaching expiring-contract territory after 2026-27, Golden State could have greater flexibility in 2027.
