ESPN REVEALS: Warriors’ Projected Roster – 2 Rookies from Celtics & Suns, Plus 6MOY ‘Game-Changer’ Set to Shake Up the NBA! Lakers Fans in Panic Mode

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2025-2026 NBA season with a carefully constructed roster that blends veteran leadership, star power, and promising young talent. After their blockbuster acquisition of Jimmy Butler last season, the franchise has made calculated moves to position itself as a legitimate title contender in an increasingly competitive Western Conference.

Roster Construction: Experience Meets Potential

The Championship Core

The Warriors’ success will hinge on their established veterans, whose playoff experience and institutional knowledge of the system remain invaluable:

• Stephen Curry ($59.6M) – Even at 37, the two-time MVP remains the engine of Golden State’s offense. His gravity, shooting, and leadership define the team’s identity.
• Jimmy Butler ($54.1M) – Acquired in a February 2025 trade with Miami, Butler provides elite two-way play, clutch scoring, and a hardened playoff mentality.
• Draymond Green ($25.9M) – The defensive anchor and emotional leader, Green’s playmaking and versatility remain crucial in small-ball lineups.
• Moses Moody ($11.6M) – Entering his prime, Moody’s improved three-point shooting and defensive flexibility make him a key rotation piece.

The Next Wave: Youth Development

Golden State’s ability to develop young talent will determine their long-term ceiling:

• Jonathan Kuminga (FA) – The high-flying forward, now a restricted free agent, must refine his decision-making and shooting to secure a long-term role.
• Brandin Podziemski ($3.5M) – A crafty playmaker with excellent court vision, Podziemski could see increased minutes as a secondary ball-handler.
• Trayce Jackson-Davis – The athletic big man provides rim protection and vertical spacing, a necessity in today’s NBA.

Key Offseason Moves & Strategic Implications

The Jimmy Butler Trade: A Win-Now Gamble

In February 2025, Golden State sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and draft compensation to Miami for Butler—a move that signals their commitment to maximizing Curry’s remaining championship window. Butler’s ability to create his own shot in the playoffs alleviates pressure on Curry, but his durability at age 36 remains a concern.

Supplemental Signings: Depth Over Flash

Rather than chasing big-name free agents, the Warriors focused on cost-effective role players:

• Quinten Post (C) – A stretch-five with shooting potential, offering a different look behind Jackson-Davis.
• Pat Spencer (G) – A late-blooming guard who earned his NBA contract after a strong G-League stint.
• Kevin Knox II (F) – A reclamation project with size and shooting upside.

Western Conference Fallout: How Rivals Are Reacting

Lakers Poach Warriors’ Prospect

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Chris Manon, a standout from Golden State’s Summer League squad, to a two-way deal. Manon’s defensive tenacity and energy could make him a sneaky rotation piece for a rival.

Sixth Man of the Year Race Heats Up

With Payton Pritchard (BOS) emerging as the favorite and Naz Reid (MIN) defending his title, the Warriors lack a clear 6MOY candidate—potentially a weakness in their bench scoring.

Projected Rotation & Season Outlook

Starting Five:

1. Stephen Curry (PG)
2. Moses Moody (SG)
3. Jimmy Butler (SF)
4. Draymond Green (PF)
5. Trayce Jackson-Davis (C)

Key Reserves:

• Brandin Podziemski (G)
• Jonathan Kuminga (F) – if re-signed
• Quinten Post (C)
• Kevin Knox II (F)

Biggest Questions:

1. Can Butler stay healthy through an 82-game season?
2. Will Kuminga take the next step, or is his future elsewhere?
3. Is there enough shooting outside of Curry and Moody?

Conclusion: A Contender, But Not the Favorite

The Warriors have assembled a roster capable of competing for a top-four seed, but questions about age, depth, and three-point shooting linger. If Butler stays healthy and their young players develop quickly, Golden State could surprise the league. However, in a conference featuring Denver, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix, their margin for error is slim.

Final Verdict:

• Floor: 6th seed, second-round exit
• Ceiling: NBA Finals dark horse
• X-Factor: Jonathan Kuminga’s development

This version removes excessive bullet points in favor of structured analysis while maintaining depth and professionalism. Let me know if you’d like to emphasize any specific aspect further.