Kevin Durant was, as expected, a five-star acquisition in 2016, as was Shaun Livingston in 2014. Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. were four-star acquisitions in 2021, as was Leandro Barbosa in 2014. The signings of David West and Zaza Pachulia in 2016 are further proof that the Warriors’ front office can hit the bullseye in free agency.
They also can miss the entire dartboard. They didn’t get much from Willie Cauley-Stein (2019) or Brad Wanamaker (2020), JaMychal Green (2022) or Dario Saric in 2023.
The Warriors need to bring their A game in 2026. For the sake of coach Steve Kerr and superstar Stephen Curry. For the validation of general manager Mike Dunleavy and CEO Joe Lacob.
Draymond Green’s decision to opt out of his player option worth $27.7 million signals a willingness to return on a multiyear deal at a lower annual rate – and reheats the possibility of LeBron James exploring the Warriors as a convenient option should he leave the Lakers.
Moreover, it allows Golden State to revisit its previous interest in Anthony Davis. Any pursuit of the oft-injured Davis via trade would require a commensurate outgoing salary going to the Washington Wizards. With Curry untouchable, that means farewell to Jimmy Butler III, whose $56.8 million salary is a virtual match for Davis’ $58.5 salary.
The Warriors cannot add James and Davis without moving both salary and significant future draft capital. Golden State is “very open” to the possibility of seismic movement, according to a league source, but as of 11 a.m. Monday it remains in the discussion stage.
It should be noted that Green, James and Davis are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, a firm conceived and founded by Paul and James.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are obligated to continue exploring other avenues to fill out the roster. Here are eight free agents worthy of a look and a conversation:
Seth Curry
Why: He’s still one of best deep shooters in the NBA; 48 percent from 3-point range on a small sample size last season. He’s good for the culture and feeds the soul of his brother. He’d be cost effective.
Why not: The 6-foot-1 shooting guard is coming off a season when a variety of ailments limited him to 10 games, and he will be 36 when training camp opens.
Javonte Green
Why: The 6-foot-5 off guard is a strong defender – with a 7-foot wingspan – who last season shot 38.1 percent from deep and, at age 32, was the only member of the Pistons to play all 82 games.
Why not: He made $2.3 million last season and couldn’t be blamed for seeking a multiyear contract that might nudge him out of Golden State’s range.
LeBron
Why: The most experienced player in the league still is capable of fantastic games. He has expressed a desire (fantasy?) to play with Steph. He’d help the roster and light up all marquees. Don’t laugh. OK, laugh.
Why not: He will be 42 in December, should not play on back-to-back nights. He likes being near in family in Los Angeles, loves playing alongside his son and would have to take a pay cut.
De’Anthony Melton
Why: The Warriors need a two-way shooting guard, and he has Curry’s stamp of approval. They are compatible. If Green is out of reach, Melton would be a solid alternative.
Why not: When Curry was sidelined last season, Melton’s offensive efficiency nosedived. He tried to do too much. He likes being a Warrior, but he also seeks a multiyear contract with a pay increase.
Gary Payton II
Why: The positionless veteran has generated considerable value by practically perfecting the art and science of harmonizing with Curry. He’s a culture fit and is relatively inexpensive.
Why not: The 33-year-old’s defensive impact diminished in 2025-26, and his 3-point shooting (29.1 percent) was the worst of his six seasons with Golden State. It’s fair to wonder if he can bounce back.
Kristaps Porziņģis
Why: At 7-foot-3 with the ability to spread the floor on offense and be a defensive factor in the paint, he’s one of the most unique players in the NBA. His package of skills is welcome.
Why not: His availability history is among the worst in the NBA. Acquired by the Warriors last February, he played 15 of 31 games, never more than four in a row. They know he will miss games.
Collin Sexton
Why He’s a 39-percent 3-point shooter with more quickness and wiggle than anyone on last season’s roster. He can create for himself and others, the definition of a backup point guard.
Why not: Generously listed at 6-foot-3, he’s one of the leakiest defenders in the league. He will need sufficient defensive support from teammates for the Warriors to exploit his offense.
Anfernee Simons (equally bad defender)
Why: The 6-foot-3 combo guard is a talented scorer, a career 38-percent shooter from deep with plenty of bounce to the rim and has averaged double-figure scoring in five straight seasons.
Why not: His defense is atrocious and he’s coming off a four-year contract worth $100 million. He’s seeking more than the Warriors will pay and would need compelling a reason to consider them.