Golden State Warriors’ Plan Not to Depend on Stephen Curry: These Are the Signings They Want

For over a decade, the Golden State Warriors have been synonymous with one man: Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion has redefined modern basketball with his revolutionary shooting range, leadership, and transcendent playmaking. Curry’s presence has elevated the Warriors into one of the league’s most iconic dynasties. But as the franchise stares down a rapidly approaching future where the 36-year-old won’t be able to carry the team on his back forever, the Warriors are rethinking their approach.

Their goal is clear: build a sustainable contender that doesn’t solely rely on Curry’s brilliance. And that means making bold roster moves this offseason — from veteran additions to developmental investments — aimed at reducing the burden on Curry while extending his championship window. These are the signings, strategies, and philosophical shifts Golden State is preparing to make as they pivot toward a more balanced and resilient era.

The Changing Reality: Curry Can’t Do It All Forever

The 2024-25 season served as a wake-up call for the Warriors’ front office. Despite Curry’s continued excellence — he averaged over 25 points per game and remained among the NBA’s most efficient scorers — Golden State struggled with inconsistency, aging veterans, defensive lapses, and poor shooting from complementary pieces.

The supporting cast was no longer the elite machine of yesteryear. Klay Thompson experienced a sharp decline in both offensive production and defensive reliability. Draymond Green, while still impactful defensively, missed time due to suspension and injuries. Andrew Wiggins regressed. And the young talent — including Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski — showed flashes but lacked the consistency needed to support a deep playoff run.

Curry himself alluded to the team’s struggles late in the season, saying: “There’s only so much I can do.” That sentiment wasn’t lost on GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and head coach Steve Kerr, who reportedly met multiple times in April to lay out a more aggressive team-building strategy.

Philosophical Pivot: From “Light Years” Ahead to Grounded in Reality

During the peak of their dynasty, former GM Bob Myers and CEO Joe Lacob boasted about being “light years ahead” of the competition. That philosophy leaned heavily on internal development, smart drafting, and savvy salary cap management. But that model hasn’t delivered results in the post-Durant era, especially with Curry aging.

Dunleavy’s new vision embraces a more hybrid model — blending established veterans who can contribute immediately with still-developing youth. The goal is to create a deeper, more versatile roster that allows Kerr to stagger lineups, withstand injuries, and give Curry rest without seeing the offense implode.

To do that, the Warriors are targeting five key free-agent signings or trade candidates who fit their revamped blueprint.

1. OG Anunoby – Two-Way Wing with Positional Flexibility

The Warriors have long admired OG Anunoby, who recently opted out of his contract with the New York Knicks to test free agency. Anunoby is the exact type of player Golden State needs to modernize their defense and reduce Curry’s offensive burden.

At 6-foot-7, Anunoby can defend positions 1 through 4, shoot the three at a high clip, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. His versatility would allow Kerr to shift between small-ball and traditional lineups with ease, giving the Warriors a much-needed perimeter stopper who can also hit timely shots.

Why Anunoby Makes Sense:

• Takes on elite defensive assignments, freeing up Curry and Thompson.
• High-IQ off-ball mover, perfect for Warriors’ motion offense.
• Could replace or rotate with Wiggins, depending on trade outcomes.

Anunoby will command significant interest, but sources say the Warriors are prepared to offer a competitive deal and even explore sign-and-trade possibilities if it helps fit him under the luxury tax.

2. Naz Reid – Modern Big Man with Shooting and Energy

Another name that’s gained traction within Golden State’s front office is Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While not a superstar, Reid brings a blend of modern stretch-5 shooting, rebounding, and pick-and-roll versatility that would thrive in Kerr’s system.

Golden State has struggled for years to find a consistent center outside of Kevon Looney, and Reid’s ability to space the floor would open lanes for Curry and Kuminga while also giving Green more room to operate as a facilitator.

Why Reid Makes Sense:

• Shot over 39% from three in 2024-25 season.
• Capable of switching defensively onto smaller guards.
• Instant offense off the bench or as a starter in small-ball lineups.

Though Minnesota would like to keep him, financial constraints may force them to let him walk, and the Warriors are among the teams poised to make a competitive offer.

3. Tyus Jones – Backup PG to Stabilize Second Unit

One of Golden State’s biggest flaws last season was its second-unit offense. When Curry sat, the offense often ground to a halt. The Jordan Poole experiment failed, and Chris Paul, though steady, was too slow and expensive. The solution? Tyus Jones, the NBA’s assist-to-turnover king and a true floor general.

Jones, an unrestricted free agent, is seen as one of the most reliable backup point guards in the league. He could seamlessly run the Warriors’ offense during non-Curry minutes and even pair with Curry in small lineups against slower teams.

Why Jones Makes Sense:

• Exceptionally low turnover rate, fits Kerr’s desire for smart play.
• Can shoot the three and facilitate without dominating the ball.
• Younger and cheaper than aging options like Chris Paul.

Signing Jones would give the Warriors much-needed offensive balance and allow them to rest Curry strategically throughout the regular season.

4. Kelly Oubre Jr. – A Familiar Face with New Value

The Warriors had a brief and rocky relationship with Kelly Oubre Jr. back in 2021, but they’ve kept tabs on his progress. After a strong bounce-back season in Philadelphia, Oubre proved he can contribute off the bench or start in the right system.

He’s a wing defender with length, athleticism, and energy — all things the Warriors lacked last year. And perhaps most importantly, Oubre would come at a relatively low cost compared to other 3-and-D wings.

Why Oubre Makes Sense:

• Familiar with the system and coaching staff.
• Improved defensive effort and consistency in Philadelphia.
• Allows Kerr to rest Thompson or Wiggins without major drop-off.

Warriors insiders believe Oubre is open to a reunion and would embrace a clearer role on a team still chasing titles.

5. Saddiq Bey – Undervalued Trade Target

If the Warriors pursue the trade route, Saddiq Bey of the Atlanta Hawks is on their radar. Bey had an up-and-down year in Atlanta and is heading into restricted free agency. But his size (6-foot-7), shooting stroke, and age (just 25) make him a compelling low-cost target.

Golden State has the assets — including Moses Moody or future second-rounders — to entice Atlanta, especially if the Hawks are rebuilding or clearing cap.

Why Bey Makes Sense:

• 38% career three-point shooter.
• Can guard wings and stretch the floor.
• High-character player who won’t disrupt locker room chemistry.

He’s not a star, but he’s a rotation-level forward who can slot in immediately and grow with the team’s young core.

Beyond Signings: Emphasizing Kuminga and Podziemski

In addition to adding veterans, the Warriors are also determined to empower their rising talents, especially Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.

Kuminga took major steps last season, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and efficiency. Now 22, he is being groomed as a potential second scoring option. The team believes he could develop into an All-Star if given more usage and playmaking responsibility.

Podziemski, meanwhile, surprised everyone with his poise and shooting in his rookie year. His feel for the game and willingness to defend make him a key building block. The team is actively carving out a larger role for him as a combo guard next season.

What Happens to Klay Thompson and Chris Paul?

The Warriors’ approach also hinges on tough decisions about two of their veterans:

Klay Thompson:

• He’s a free agent, and contract talks have reportedly stalled.
• The Warriors want him back — but at a team-friendly deal that reflects his current value, not his past glory.
• If he walks, that could free up space for Anunoby or Oubre.

Chris Paul:

• The team holds a $30 million non-guaranteed contract on Paul.
• Sources suggest they will waive and stretch the deal unless Paul accepts a drastic pay cut to return in a bench role.
• This opens the door for Tyus Jones or a younger point guard.

A Future-Proof Plan

With Curry nearing the twilight of his prime, Golden State is no longer clinging to nostalgia. The front office understands that depending on Curry for 38 minutes a night and praying for vintage performances from aging stars is no longer sustainable.

Instead, they are pivoting toward a new era — one defined by depth, youth, versatility, and two-way play. The 2025 offseason will be crucial in executing this vision.

If they succeed, the Warriors could once again rise to contender status — not because of one man’s brilliance, but because they built a roster that can win with or without Stephen Curry on the floor.

And that might be Curry’s greatest gift to the franchise: leaving it better prepared for the future than when he arrived.