The Golden State Warrior salary cap could reach $150 million next season. Here’s what it means for Nikola Jokić, Kevin Durant, potential free-agent signings, blockbuster trades, and Golden State’s championship future.
If these projections hold, the Warriors could be one of the most aggressive teams in next year’s free agency. Golden State has not made any major changes to its team and is making sure the Warriors continue building the best team possible around Stephen Curry.
Jokic to Golden State could turn out really well and is tempting. Just imagine him teaming with Curry. The Warriors’ hypothetical starting lineup could be Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Jokic. They have several interesting young pieces and a good draft pick in Yaxel Lendberg.
Jokic could become a 2027 free agent. If a 39-year-old Curry is the only draw at the Bay, Jokic will likely decide to go elsewhere. Say, though, if Golden State had Trey Murphy III alongside Curry, Jokic would likely be more interested, according to Warriors Sports Illustrated On Site Publisher Joey Akeley.
Jokic remains a walking stat sheet. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 56.9% from the field. He gets a triple-double every night with ridiculous efficiency and makes everybody better. Age is starting to peak, but his regular-season dominance is still elite.
Golden State is reportedly keeping a close eye on Durant’s situation with the Houston Rockets. The Warriors would be interested in a blockbuster reunion if he becomes available, according to ClutchPoints NBA Insider Brett Siegel. Durant and Curry played together from 2016 through 2019.
Despite joining a 73-9 Golden State team after blowing a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals against them while on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Warriors and Durant both needed each other. Golden State had already won a title, but Durant made the Warriors nearly unbeatable. Those back-to-back Finals MVPs weren’t handed to him; they were earned.
Golden State’s hypothetical starting lineup could be Curry, Podziemski, Durant, Green, and Kristaps Porzingis. That is a championship roster.
Durant has proven chemistry with Curry. Durant is one of the greatest scorers ever, capable of taking over any game and stretching defenses beyond their limits. He averaged 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 52% from the field this season.
Golden State is considering a trade for Leonard, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. This is desperation wrapped in ambition—a front office staring at the calendar, watching Curry turn 38, watching Green’s prime tick away, and deciding they are not going down quietly.
Leonard, Butler, and Green are three of the most terrifying perimeter defenders of the last decade. Get them all on the same floor, switching everything and making life hard for opposing stars. It would be nightmare fuel for the entire league.
On offense, the Warriors still have Curry, the greatest shooter ever, drawing two defenders the second he crosses half-court. Now imagine Leonard getting those same open midrange looks. Imagine Butler bullying his way to the rim while defenses panic about Curry.
Golden State’s hypothetical starting lineup could include Leonard, Curry, Podziemski, Green, and Porzingis. Leonard averaged 27.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, and 0.4 BPG while shooting 50.5% from the field. When healthy, he is still a top-five two-way player. Leonard is an efficient scorer, with elite defense, and a playoff résumé doesn’t lie. His availability is the only question.
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The Warriors decided not to trade Butler for Davis because of his injury history and desire for a long-term contract extension, according to Logan Murdock of The Ringer. Staying patient may be the safer move as they look to build a sustainable contender.
Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field this season, playing for the Dallas Mavericks. He is a dominant defensive anchor and elite finisher who protects the rim, rebounds, and would have given Golden State the interior presence it has lacked.
Durant will never return to the Warriors. Leonard is set on retiring with the Toronto Raptors. Jokic will never leave Denver. If the Washington Wizards extend Davis, that dream is dead.
If Golden State adds any of those players with Curry without assets to trade, picks, or money to spend, that is a worse situation than they are in right now. The Warriors should wait, and with all of their picks, assets, and $150 million to spend, they can build a real team. Be patient.
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