2025–2026 Golden State Warriors ESPN reports a possible roster.

Here’s a thoroughly detailed look—about 2,000 words—at what ESPN and other top sources are reporting about the 2025–26 Golden State Warriors roster. I’ve woven together insights from ESPN, SF Chronicle, SFGate, and more, to offer a comprehensive view of the team’s current shape, offseason moves, pending decisions, and prospects heading into training camp and the regular season.

The basis of the Warriors’ core remains unchanged: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III stand at the center of the team’s identity. Curry, coming off another All‑Star season, signed a one‑year, $62.6 million extension in August 2024 that secures his presence through 2026–27 (Wikipedia). Butler, acquired mid‑February 2025 in that massive five‑team deal sending Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson to Miami, re‑signed on a two‑year, $121 million extension through 2026‑27 (Bright Side Of The Sun). Green remains under contract, forming what GM Dunleavy and Coach Kerr refer to as the franchise’s “core trio” (San Francisco Chronicle).

With those big three accounting for 85% of payroll, ESPN estimates only six other players under contract with roughly $30 million in salaries (ESPN.com). That means off‑season moves are highly constrained by salary cap and luxury tax implications. Yet front office seems determined to add frontline support—shooting, size, depth—without disrupting financial parameters.

The immediate offseason target has been veteran big man Al Horford. A versatile frontcourt stretch big, Horford reportedly considered retirement and had interest from Lakers, Bucks, and Hawks (San Francisco Chronicle, SFGATE). Sources indicate Golden State is among teams pursuing Horford, possibly inking him for the mid‑level exception (~$19.5 million) (ESPN.com). ESPN analysts on NBA Today provided conflicting takes—one suggesting uncertainty, another stating league sources expect Horford to sign (SFGATE).

Another major free agency storyline is restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. He’s seeking around $25 million annually but may settle for a shorter deal that gives flexibility (San Francisco Chronicle). ESPN’s Pelton suggests a one‑year qualifying offer ($7.9 million) could keep the team under the second apron and enable a trade later if needed (ESPN.com). The team is optimistic about retaining Kuminga, though a sign‑and‑trade involving teams like Chicago, Sacramento, or Phoenix remains a possibility (San Francisco Chronicle). His decision is critical: with Curry, Butler, and Green locked down, Kuminga’s contract could determine whether the Warriors can bring in additions or risk losing him entirely.

On the trade front, there’s been buzz about attempting something dramatic—Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, with his massive $250 million contract, has been floated as a potential backcourt addition (ESPN.com, The Times of India). Similarly, veteran Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez has emerged in rumors as a fit alongside Draymond to provide rim protection and floor spacing (The Times of India). Both signaled targets, but each presents significant financial and roster challenges: Beal’s deal would be nearly impossible to integrate, while Lopez’s $48 million could push them into deep luxury tax. Still, Lopez could be appealing for his defensive impact and veteran presence (ESPN.com).

As recently as mid-July 2025, ESPN records zero completed free agent signings or trades, making Golden State the only inactive team in the league (San Francisco Chronicle). That inactivity appears strategic rather than neglect—a reflection of their cap constraints and prioritization of key decisions, notably Horford and Kuminga.

Behind the scenes, the Warriors have exercised their team options on young players and maneuvered to fill two roster spots. They traded their lone 2025 first-round pick (#41) to Phoenix for picks #52 and #59 (Golden State Of Mind). They also secured rights to guard Will Richard with Pick #56 from the Grizzlies (Wikipedia). Richard, a 6-foot-4 guard from Florida, averaged 11.4 PPG with solid shooting, and his addition adds a cheap rookie contract (Wikipedia). Meanwhile Quinten Post, a 7‑foot stretch big drafted last year, was converted to a full contract and re-signed under team option (Wikipedia).

Those decisions are part of a lean roster build: nine under contract plus two drafted players, leaving room for exactly two more signings. GM Dunleavy emphasized acquisition of draft rights to low-cost rookies to manage cap concerns (Golden State Of Mind). Steve Kerr pointed out ongoing need for shooting, size, and athleticism around their core (San Francisco Chronicle).

Let’s break down the likely rotations:

Backcourt

• Stephen Curry (PG/SG): franchise cornerstone, $62.6M contract through 2026–27 (Wikipedia)
• Brandin Podziemski, a developing shooter, was starter in 2024–25 (ESPN.com)
• Moses Moody, noted for shooting and defense, also broke into starting line by season’s end (ESPN.com, San Francisco Chronicle)
• Buddy Hield, floor spacing veteran acquired mid-2024 (The Times of India)
• Jonathan Kuminga, high-upside forward who could play SG/SF or return to bench (San Francisco Chronicle)

Frontcourt

• Draymond Green (PF/C): defensive anchor, playmaker (ESPN.com)
• Jimmy Butler III (SF/PF): versatile swingman, third on depth chart (ESPN.com)
• Trayce Jackson‑Davis, center startean Francisco Chronicle)
• Quinten Post, stretch 7‑footer with shooting range

Bench / Depth

• Gui Santos, bench wing providing rebounding and passing (Kevin Knox II, Pat Spencer, Braxton Key—G-League signings who may stick for depth
• Taran Armstrong, two‑way guard from Tasmania

So currently, the ten-man high-end rotation appears solid, but lacks a versatile shooting big who can defend in the paint and space the floor. That’s precisely what Horford—if signed—would address.

An Horford signing would deliver size, shooting from the perimeter, and veteran playoff presence. At 39–40 years old and considering the arrival of his sixth child, retirement options remain on the table  But league sources suggest he’s likely to opt to continue, and Golden State is well-positioned to offer him a MLE deal around $19 million (SFGATE). If signed, Horford would slot in off the bench at either PF or center, providing a backup to Green/Jackson‑Davis and maintaining floor spacing.

If Horford deploys elsewhere, attention likely shifts to Lopez. Rumors linking Brook Lopez from Milwaukee make sense: he’d cost $48 million and be a starting-level defender/shooter, though age and injuries are concerns). Financially it’s tough, but as owner Joe Lacob hinted, they’re willing to surpass luxury tax if it brings contention pieces

Bradley Beal rumors are more speculative: to land a player with a gigantic $250 million contract would require serious salary matching and structural overhau

So, slated free agent/trade targets:

• Al Horford: leading candidate, will bring shooting, defense, veteran presence. Late July decision looms.
• Brook Lopez: deeper, more expensive option as rim protector/spacing big.
• Bradley Beal: highly unlikely given cost, but listed among rumors.

Meanwhile, strategic paths regarding Kuminga:

• Sign him to the qualifying offer ($7.9M) to preserve flexibility and keep him on the roster
• Negotiate a short-term deal giving more security and rights.
• Explore sign-and-trade if a team offering a bigger salary emerges, though complications may arise with base-year compensation

Maintaining Kuminga is essential—not just for talent but for financial maneuvering. He has showcased upside and athleticism in limited time

Depth-wise, Walker Richard, Post, Knox, Spencer, Key, Armstrong, Santos, and Knox provide a mix of cheap, developmental talent and situational role players. Their contracts are team-friendly, giving Golden State the ability to potentially absorb a veteran addition without violating the second apron

Draft strategy also supported flexibility. Trading down and re-acquiring additional second-round picks signals emphasis on filling roster spots affordably

In summary: the Warriors approach the season with an All‑Star core and surplus of role talent, but lacking a defensive big and rotational spacing that pushed them over the top in years past. The pending Horford decision will be pivotal. A signing would provide needed frontcourt balance. If that fails, Lopez rumors remain alive but costly. Financial standing remains a constraint, though owner Lacob appears ready to extend as needed for key pieces

By training camp (early October), the roster could land at around 12 players: Curry, Butler, Green, Podziemski, Moody, Hield, Kuminga, Jackson‑Davis, Post, Horford/Lopez, Santos, Richard, plus possibly Knox/Spencer/Key who may earn G‑League or standard contract invites.

Coach Kerr will likely run a mix of motion offense featuring Curry/Butler pick‑and‑rolls, Green as primary distributor, with frontcourt versatility to switch across positions. The connection of Curry–Hield–Podziemski/Moody spacing out courtside 3s will be potent, assuming interior defense is bolstered by Jackson‑Davis and Horford/Lopez. Bench units would rely on Butler/Kuminga/SPG for scoring punch, while Post and Richard bring size and rookie energy.

Upside: If all external acquisitions land and core veterans stay healthy, Golden State projects as a top‑4 Western Conference team, with upside to contend again. But injuries to Curry or Green—as happened in 2024–25—could derail season without deeper high‑end reserves. So frontcourt reinforcement is mission-critical.

Here’s how things could break down month-to-month:

Late July – Horford and Kuminga decisions, possible free agent additions announced.
August–September – Training camp invites, possible short‑term veteran deals.
October – Final roster trimming to 15-man limit.
Regular season – Regular rotations begin; mid‑season trade flexibility remains if needed (e.g., re‑targeting Lopez or addressing weaknesses).
Trade deadline (Feb 2026) – If frontline still lacking, front office may pursue mid-season trade by reallocating a rookie contract or cutting salary on bench.

All offseason planning suggests a patient approach balanced with smart spending—prioritize keeping restricted assets (Kuminga), re-signing or acquiring a defensive big (Horford/Lopez), and preserving flexibility. Corporate unwillingness to sacrifice payroll avoids heavy luxury tax, but Lacob’s statements signal readiness to pay for contention

Bottom‑Line Roster Outlook

• Stars (3): Curry, Butler, Green
• Young Rotation (5): Podziemski, Moody, Kuminga, Hield, Jackson‑Davis
• Stretch Big: Horford (likely) or Lopez (costly alternative)
• Depth/Rookies (4–6): Post, Santos, Richard, Knox, Spencer, Key, Armstrong
• G‑League/Two‑Ways: Armstrong, Knox, Spencer

If Horford arrives and Kuminga stays, Golden State fields a ten‑to‑twelve deep roster with a solid mix of experience, shooting, switchability, and defense. Even if a big falls elsewhere, this group still looks built for playoff contention—but may lack some interior stability without added frontcourt veteran.

Let me know if you’d like more insight into any player profiles, salary trade logistics, or how rotations might shift week‑to‑week once we know who signs and who sticks around.