Golden State Warriors Agree in Principle to Purchase Draft Rights to Will Richard, No. 56 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft: A Comprehensive Analysis

The NBA draft is one of the most pivotal events in the basketball calendar, a moment when franchises build their futures by selecting young talent from around the globe. On the heels of the 2025 NBA Draft, news has broken that the Golden State Warriors have agreed in principle to purchase the draft rights to Will Richard, the No. 56 pick in this year’s draft class. This move, while not immediately finalized, carries significant implications for both the Warriors and the player. This article explores the multi-faceted aspects of this agreement — examining the background of the draft pick acquisition, an in-depth profile of Will Richard, how this fits into the Warriors’ strategy, and the broader context within the NBA.

The phrase “agreed in principle” is an important one in the realm of sports transactions. It indicates that the parties involved — in this case, the Golden State Warriors and the team originally holding the No. 56 pick — have reached a mutual understanding or preliminary deal regarding the transfer of rights. The exact terms, financial considerations, or future draft picks involved may still be subject to final negotiation, league approval, or additional contingencies.

Purchasing draft rights means that the Warriors are acquiring the exclusive NBA rights to sign Will Richard to a contract. Unlike immediate trades involving current roster players, draft rights deals often focus on future potential — sometimes involving players who might spend time overseas or in developmental leagues before joining the NBA roster.

The Warriors are a franchise known for their careful roster construction, emphasizing a blend of veteran leadership and emerging young talent. Having won multiple NBA championships over the past decade, the Warriors’ front office has demonstrated a knack for finding undervalued players and developing them into key contributors.

In recent years, the Warriors’ draft strategy has increasingly focused on identifying skilled, versatile players who can complement their core stars — particularly those with the ability to stretch the floor, play strong defense, and adapt to the team’s motion-heavy offense.

Selecting at No. 56, the Warriors are operating near the end of the second round — a spot where immediate impact players are rare but where diamonds in the rough can often be found. Drafting or acquiring rights to such players is often a long-term investment, with the team hoping that the player can develop through the G League or overseas before making an NBA impact.

Will Richard, the No. 56 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is a promising young player whose attributes caught the attention of several scouts and franchises during pre-draft evaluations. Although selected late in the draft, Richard has a unique blend of skills that aligns well with modern NBA demands.

Will Richard is a forward standing around 6 feet 8 inches tall with a wingspan of approximately 7 feet. His physical frame allows him to play both the small forward and power forward positions, offering the Warriors flexibility in their lineups.

On the court, Richard is known for his versatility. Offensively, he demonstrates a reliable mid-range jumper, coupled with the ability to drive to the basket with agility and control. His shooting mechanics suggest he could develop into a credible three-point threat, a must-have skill in today’s NBA. Moreover, Richard’s ball-handling and passing skills are notable for a player of his size, making him a candidate for a ‘point forward’ role where he can create plays off the dribble.

Defensively, Richard’s size and length allow him to guard multiple positions effectively. His lateral quickness and defensive instincts are regarded as strengths, giving him the potential to become a valuable perimeter defender. The Warriors, known for their defensive schemes under coach Steve Kerr, highly value players who can switch across multiple positions — something Richard appears capable of doing.

Before declaring for the draft, Will Richard played three seasons at a prominent NCAA Division I program. Over his collegiate career, Richard showed steady improvement, especially in his shooting efficiency and defensive impact. His senior year averages included roughly 15 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists — solid numbers that underscore his all-around contributions.

During the pre-draft process, Richard impressed in workouts and interviews with his work ethic, basketball IQ, and team-first attitude. Scouts noted his potential ceiling as a ‘3-and-D’ player — someone who can space the floor offensively and provide solid defense.

Golden State’s interest in Will Richard stems from several factors, chief among them being his skill set’s synergy with their style of play and roster needs.

The Warriors’ core — including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green — thrives on floor spacing and smart defensive rotations. Adding a player like Richard, who can shoot from distance and guard multiple positions, fits well alongside these stars.

Additionally, with the Warriors entering a transitional phase after their recent championship runs, developing young players who can eventually take on larger roles is critical. Richard could be groomed to eventually replace or complement aging veterans.

At the 56th pick, Richard comes at a relatively low financial cost compared to lottery picks or established free agents. This aligns with the Warriors’ ability to manage their salary cap effectively while maintaining roster depth.

The late second-round pick status is often less about immediate contributions and more about long-term upside. Richard’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ suggests a high development ceiling, which the Warriors’ coaching staff and player development team could maximize.

The 2025 NBA Draft itself has been characterized by depth and intrigue. While the early picks captured most headlines with highly touted prospects, the later rounds, including picks in the 50s, have become fertile ground for teams looking for role players and developmental prospects.

Teams like the Warriors recognize that late second-round picks often come with less pressure and greater opportunity to develop organically. Many current NBA stars — including notable Warriors veterans — have emerged from late second-round picks or undrafted signings, illustrating the potential hidden value.

While acquiring Will Richard’s draft rights represents a calculated investment, there are inherent risks.

• Development Timeline: Richard may require time in the G League or overseas to hone his skills before contributing meaningfully to the Warriors.
• Roster Spot Competition: With an already talented and deep Warriors roster, earning consistent minutes could be challenging.
• Injury Concerns: Like any young player, maintaining health and adapting to the physical demands of the NBA is crucial.

While the agreement is currently “in principle,” the formalization process involves finalizing financial terms and league approval. Once completed, the Warriors will have exclusive rights to negotiate a contract with Richard.

From a development perspective, the Warriors are likely to map out a clear plan involving summer league participation, training camp, and potential assignments to their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. The team’s track record in developing young talent suggests Richard will receive quality coaching and mentoring.

The Warriors have a history of successfully developing late draft picks and undrafted players. For instance, players like Kevon Looney, who was drafted 30th overall in 2015, became integral parts of their championship runs. Such precedents increase optimism about Richard’s potential trajectory.

Initial fan reactions on social media and basketball forums show cautious optimism. Many appreciate the low-risk nature of acquiring Richard’s rights and recognize his fit with the Warriors’ style.

Analysts have noted that while Richard is not a flashy pick, his intangibles, size, and versatility could allow him to carve out a niche role in the NBA if development goes well.

The Golden State Warriors’ agreement in principle to purchase the draft rights to Will Richard, the No. 56 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, exemplifies the franchise’s thoughtful approach to roster building. While late second-round picks rarely headline major trades, the potential long-term rewards for finding a versatile, skilled forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor are substantial.

As the Warriors continue to balance their championship window with the need to build for the future, moves like this help ensure they remain competitive while nurturing the next generation of talent. For Will Richard, the opportunity to join one of the NBA’s most storied organizations offers a promising platform to grow and eventually make his mark on the league.