Golden State Warriors Showing Strong Interest in Former NBA Rookie of the Year.
The Golden State Warriors are once again exploring ways to bolster their roster as they prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season, and reports indicate they have their eyes on a familiar name. Recent rumors suggest the Warriors have expressed interest in Malcolm Brogdon, the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year, who has drawn attention from several teams this offseason due to his steady playmaking, high basketball IQ, and scoring ability. While Golden State’s financial situation is complex, the front office’s willingness to add more experience to support Stephen Curry and newly acquired Jimmy Butler highlights their intent to remain competitive in the crowded Western Conference.
Brogdon’s appeal stems from his reputation as a versatile guard who can seamlessly toggle between point guard and shooting guard roles. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 24 games last season, offering an efficient blend of playmaking and scoring despite battling injuries. His career averages of 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists underscore his ability to contribute consistently when healthy. Moreover, his strong shooting percentages—over 46% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc—make him an ideal fit for the Warriors’ perimeter-oriented system, which thrives on floor spacing and smart decision-making.
Financially, adding Brogdon would be a challenge. Golden State is currently above the first tax apron, largely due to the combined salaries of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green, which account for roughly 82% of their \$170.9 million payroll. This limits their flexibility to pursue big-name free agents outright. A potential pathway to acquiring Brogdon could involve a veteran’s minimum deal, a sign-and-trade scenario, or exploring non-guaranteed contracts to open a roster spot. Given Brogdon’s market value, the Warriors might need to present a compelling case that joining a title contender would be worth a short-term financial compromise.
The Warriors’ interest in Brogdon is not surprising when viewed in the context of their current roster construction. Following the February 2025 trade that brought Jimmy Butler to Golden State, the team has been focused on surrounding its star trio with reliable veterans who can contribute in high-pressure moments. Brogdon, who also won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023 with the Boston Celtics, is known for his composure and ability to thrive in playoff settings. His experience with multiple contenders, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, could be invaluable for a Warriors squad that is transitioning from a dynasty core into a hybrid of seasoned stars and younger contributors like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Adding Brogdon would also address one of Golden State’s lingering weaknesses—secondary playmaking. While Curry remains one of the most gifted offensive players in league history, asking him to shoulder both scoring and primary playmaking duties at age 37 is unsustainable over a full season. Chris Paul’s departure earlier in the offseason left a gap in the backcourt rotation, and while Brandin Podziemski has shown promise, his inexperience makes the acquisition of a reliable veteran guard even more crucial. Brogdon’s ability to run the offense when Curry rests, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him a natural fit for Steve Kerr’s system.
Beyond his on-court abilities, Brogdon’s leadership and professionalism have been widely praised throughout his career. His nickname “The President,” earned during his college days at Virginia, reflects his calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to the game. For a Warriors team seeking stability and focus amid the pressures of championship contention, these intangible qualities could be just as valuable as his statistical contributions. Brogdon’s track record of mentoring younger players could also help the Warriors’ development pipeline, particularly with Kuminga and Moody entering pivotal stages of their careers.
The main concern surrounding Brogdon remains his durability. Over the past few seasons, he has struggled with various injuries, which have limited his availability. For a team like the Warriors, who have also dealt with injuries to key players, this risk cannot be ignored. However, if managed properly, Brogdon could provide a steadying presence, even in a limited role. His ability to adapt—whether starting, coming off the bench, or playing in a three-guard lineup—gives Kerr flexibility to experiment with different rotations and matchups.
The interest in Brogdon also highlights Golden State’s broader strategy as the franchise navigates a transitional era. With the dynasty years of 2015–2019 firmly in the past, the Warriors are trying to balance honoring Curry’s twilight years with a competitive roster while also building a sustainable future. The addition of Butler earlier this year signaled that the team is still in win-now mode, but supplementing their core with players like Brogdon ensures that they maintain depth and versatility, both critical factors in a deep playoff run.
Other teams are reportedly interested in Brogdon as well, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, which means the Warriors will face stiff competition if they decide to seriously pursue him. Brogdon’s skill set is universally valued across the league, particularly for teams looking to contend, so Golden State may need to act quickly to secure his services. Given their salary cap restrictions, the Warriors’ pitch will likely focus on the opportunity to chase another championship alongside Curry, Butler, and Green, rather than on financial incentives.
From a tactical standpoint, Brogdon’s potential addition could transform the Warriors’ offensive dynamics. His ability to initiate the pick-and-roll, coupled with his willingness to attack the rim, would provide a different look for an offense often reliant on ball movement and perimeter shooting. In late-game situations, having an extra ball-handler who can create his own shot or set up teammates would alleviate pressure on Curry and Butler, who often face double teams in clutch moments.
Defensively, Brogdon’s size and strength allow him to guard both backcourt positions effectively. While he is not an elite on-ball defender, his high basketball IQ and positional awareness make him a valuable team defender. Pairing him with Gary Payton II and Andrew Wiggins on the perimeter could give the Warriors a versatile defensive trio capable of switching assignments and contesting shots effectively. This versatility would be particularly useful against Western Conference rivals like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, who boast elite offensive guards.
If the Warriors succeed in adding Brogdon, the move would likely be viewed as another savvy acquisition by a front office that has consistently found ways to complement its stars. Much like the signings of Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston during their championship runs, bringing in a veteran like Brogdon could provide the depth and experience needed to navigate the grueling postseason. Even if he does not start, Brogdon’s presence would give Kerr the flexibility to stagger rotations and maintain offensive flow when Curry is off the floor.
The Warriors’ offseason has been relatively quiet outside of the Butler trade, but interest in Brogdon suggests that the team is not content with standing still. With the Western Conference growing stronger each year, standing pat is simply not an option. The front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., understands that time is running short to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years. Every move, from adding veteran shooters to signing defensive specialists, is being made with an eye on capturing another championship before the window fully closes.
Ultimately, the question is not just whether the Warriors can land Brogdon, but whether they can keep him healthy and productive over a long season. If they can, his arrival could prove to be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason, giving Golden State a well-rounded guard rotation capable of contending with any team in the league. With training camp just a few months away, fans will be watching closely to see if this reported interest turns into a concrete signing.
