Mike Dunleavy on the Warriors’ 2025 NBA Draft Strategy: Building for the Future While Balancing the Present

As the 2025 NBA Draft night approaches, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crucial crossroads. With an evolving roster, salary cap complexities, and a championship window that still glimmers but demands strategic foresight, the Warriors’ front office is faced with a multifaceted challenge: how to utilize their draft capital and assets to remain competitive now while planning for sustained success in the future.

Mike Dunleavy, former NBA head coach and executive with deep insight into team-building and draft evaluation, recently shared his perspective on the Warriors’ approach to this year’s draft. Dunleavy’s thoughts illuminate the delicate balancing act that Golden State must execute—a dance of talent evaluation, asset management, and roster construction in the shadow of a changing NBA landscape.

First, it’s important to understand where the Warriors stand entering the 2025 NBA Draft. After a few seasons of retooling following their dynasty years, Golden State currently holds a mid-to-late first-round pick. This position doesn’t guarantee a blue-chip franchise-altering star, but it offers valuable flexibility. As Dunleavy notes, “The Warriors aren’t picking in the lottery this year, so their draft strategy is less about landing the next superstar right off the bat and more about finding complementary pieces who fit the team’s culture and system.”

The team’s core remains anchored by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—veterans with championship pedigree but inevitably approaching the twilight of their primes. The front office recognizes the urgency to inject young, athletic talent capable of sustaining the team’s competitiveness beyond the next few seasons. However, Golden State’s salary cap constraints and existing roster commitments create a challenging environment for adding high-priced talent via free agency, making the draft and player development even more critical.

Mike Dunleavy emphasizes that the Warriors’ philosophy has long been centered on versatility, high basketball IQ, and “team-first” players. “Golden State thrives when players can switch defensively, handle the ball, and read the game at a high level,” he explains. “So this draft isn’t just about the best athlete or scorer available. It’s about identifying players who can integrate seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system and culture.”

This means the Warriors will likely target prospects who demonstrate advanced decision-making and a willingness to embrace roles that might differ from their college or international experience. Players who can defend multiple positions, facilitate ball movement, and hit open shots off the catch or dribble are highly prized.

Dunleavy also points out that character evaluation plays an outsized role for the Warriors. “They’ve cultivated a locker room culture centered on accountability and unselfishness,” he says. “Bringing in high-motor players who buy into that mindset is essential, especially when the team’s stars are still playing but inevitably will pass the torch.”

A key part of the Warriors’ draft strategy relates to managing salary cap implications. Dunleavy underscores that Golden State’s front office has become increasingly savvy about balancing veteran contracts with rookie-scale deals. “Drafting a player on a rookie contract allows the Warriors to maintain financial flexibility,” he notes. “This is crucial given that Curry and Thompson’s contracts are substantial, and Draymond’s deal also commands a significant portion of the payroll.”

Because of these constraints, Dunleavy expects the Warriors to be cautious about overreaching for a player who might demand an expensive extension quickly. Instead, the focus will likely be on players who can contribute at a reasonable cost in their first few years, giving Golden State room to maneuver when it comes to potential trades or future free-agent signings.

Additionally, Dunleavy suggests the Warriors might use this draft to find “hidden gems” — players with perceived flaws or who come from less traditional programs but possess the traits that Golden State’s development staff can hone over time. “The Warriors’ player development is among the league’s best,” he says. “They can transform raw or undersized prospects into role players who contribute meaningfully.”

While Dunleavy is respectful of the Warriors’ internal scouting process, he shares his own ideas about the types of players Golden State might pursue. He highlights several archetypes:

• Versatile Wings: Players who can guard 2-4 positions, shoot from range, and create offense both on and off the ball. “With Thompson aging, the Warriors need wings who can space the floor and guard multiple positions,” Dunleavy says. These might be prospects who excelled in transition, showed high basketball IQ in college, and have the length to defend switch-heavy schemes.
• Playmaking Bigs: A modern NBA big man who can pass and shoot is invaluable in Kerr’s system. “A center or power forward with good vision and shooting touch can open up the offense,” Dunleavy explains. “Especially one who can pick-and-pop or find cutters.”
• High-Motor Defenders: Defense remains a pillar of the Warriors’ success. Players who bring relentless energy, hustle, and defensive versatility can carve out roles quickly. Dunleavy believes Golden State will prioritize defensive potential, given their need to compensate for aging stars on that end.
• Two-Way Guards: Guards who can facilitate but also put pressure on the defense with their scoring. “Steph Curry isn’t going to be able to carry the offense forever, so developing another guard who can handle the ball and create shots is important.”

Dunleavy cautions, however, that the Warriors won’t chase flashy stats if the player’s fit isn’t right. “Golden State values fit and potential over pure athleticism or hype,” he says. “They’ll likely pass on players who are one-dimensional scorers or defensive liabilities, no matter how talented.”

To understand the Warriors’ current draft strategy, Dunleavy urges looking back at their past successes and missteps. The drafting of players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and even more recently, Jordan Poole, illustrates the importance of selecting players who fit the team’s style and culture.

“Draymond Green was a second-round pick who became a Defensive Player of the Year and championship cornerstone because Golden State recognized his unique skill set and mentality early,” Dunleavy reflects. “That’s a reminder that it’s not just about top picks but how the team develops players.”

Conversely, the Warriors have also faced criticism for missing on certain draft picks or trading away picks for short-term veteran help. Dunleavy suggests that this draft could mark a pivot back toward more patient, developmental strategies.

One of the biggest challenges for the Warriors—and one Dunleavy highlights—is balancing the desire to remain competitive immediately with the need to build a sustainable future. “They’re still trying to win now but must avoid mortgaging the future,” he says.

This dynamic makes the 2025 NBA Draft a critical juncture. The Warriors must decide whether to use their pick on a player who can contribute right away, or take a chance on a high-upside prospect who might take a few years to develop. Dunleavy believes Golden State will lean toward the latter.

“They have championship-caliber veterans who can carry the load this season, so it makes sense to draft with an eye toward years 2-3 or beyond,” he explains. “This also helps the team manage cap flexibility and roster spots.”

Dunleavy acknowledges the Warriors’ embrace of advanced analytics and cutting-edge scouting tools in informing their draft decisions. “Golden State is one of the most forward-thinking organizations when it comes to blending analytics with traditional scouting,” he notes.

This means their evaluations include not only physical measurements and college production but also deeper metrics—such as shot quality, defensive impact, and player tracking data. They also heavily weigh psychological assessments and character evaluations.

“This integrated approach helps the Warriors find players who might be overlooked by other teams,” Dunleavy explains. “They often identify prospects with strong intangibles and the ability to adapt to the Warriors’ unique style of play.”

Finally, Dunleavy speculates that the Warriors may not be passive on draft night. While they don’t hold a lottery pick this year, Golden State’s front office is known for creativity and willingness to explore trades.

“Whether packaging their pick with a veteran or swapping for a later first-rounder plus future assets, the Warriors will explore all options,” Dunleavy says. “They could also look at acquiring players who fit their system from other teams looking to move on.”

Such moves could allow Golden State to increase their draft capital or fill specific roster holes while maintaining flexibility.

As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, Mike Dunleavy’s insights highlight that the Golden State Warriors face a nuanced challenge: drafting players who fit their culture and system, managing cap space, and balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. His perspective underscores that this draft won’t be about flashy picks but strategic selections designed to extend the Warriors’ championship window beyond the Curry era.

Golden State’s history of success—built on versatility, high basketball IQ, and culture—will continue to guide their draft choices. And while the team may not find a new superstar this year, Dunleavy believes the Warriors will find valuable pieces who embody their identity and help build the next chapter of their legacy.

If you want, I can expand on any particular section or add more detailed player analysis based on recent mock drafts. Would you like that?