The Golden State Warriors are one of those teams that might see major changes to their roster and strategies this offseason. The franchise has fallen short of championship expectations in the last few seasons and will be looking to give superstar Steph Curry a fitting farewell, along with a ring. However, that dream doesn’t seem close to being fulfilled. Golden State will now look forward to making the most out of the draft this year. But what are its options?
The Warriors have the 11th pick in the upcoming draft scheduled on June 23 and 24, and they can use that in multiple ways. Let’s see how those conditions might pan out for the team.
#1. The Warriors can choose to trade down
Several league sources have speculated that the Warriors could trade down in the 2026 NBA draft or add another pick, given that the team is running short due to Jimmy Butler’s ACL tear. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the franchise contacted the Charlotte Hornets to explore trading down to acquire the Hornets’ 14th or 18th pick.
However, the Hornets have shown no interest in giving up both picks. That has not stopped the Warriors from exploring other trade options. As per the insider:
“The Warriors are said to be open to moving down in this year’s draft for the right price, and the idea of adding another pick in the late teens in addition to this 11th pick is not out of the realm of possibilities.”
The scouts are seemingly looking to draft Bennett Stirtz, and that has been the foremost reason for them to add another pick in the draft, as the Iowa rookie might be one of the dark horses of this class.
#2. The Warriors can use the pick in a veteran trade
Sources have also suggested that the Warriors can look to trade their pick to acquire someone to pair with Steph Curry. The team has been looking for an efficient wing besides the sharpshooter, and Trey Murphy III is one of the top prospects. The franchise was also interested in Murphy during the midseason trade period, per Siegel, but it did not materialize.
Given that the New Orleans Pelicans only have the 58th pick in the upcoming draft, the team might be interested in having the 11th pick. Another option in that situation could be the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are looking to offload some contracts, like Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins. If the franchise looks to move into the top 10 by acquiring both the 11th and 12th picks, a trade might be possible.
#3. The Warriors’ options for the 2026 draft
The Warriors have some options on the table if they decide to keep their pick. Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg is the top prospect for the team if he falls out of the top 10, according to Warriors reporter Joseph Dycus. He performed well in the last NCAA season and shot 37.2% from deep, which might impress the franchise.
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries is another sharp-shooting guard who has shown Peyton Pritchard-type qualities in college. Given that he will pair with Curry and get to learn from the best, he might be interested in moving to Golden State. Hannes Steinbach is also one of the intriguing big men who possesses a versatile playing style and can add to the team’s overall size.
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