As the NBA offseason progresses, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a rather unusual position. Despite having a clear eye on key free agents like Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, and Seth Curry, the Warriors have yet to make any formal moves in free agency. This hesitancy, or perhaps strategic patience, is intriguing given the franchise’s recent championship pedigree and their perennial status as contenders. With the core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green still intact, Golden State’s front office is tasked with navigating a delicate balance of roster construction, salary cap management, and maintaining championship-level competitiveness in an ever-evolving league landscape.
The Warriors’ lack of free agency activity so far is not due to a lack of ambition or interest. On the contrary, it’s quite clear they have targeted experienced and versatile players who can fill specific needs for the team. Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, and Seth Curry all represent pieces that could potentially blend well within Golden State’s system and culture. However, the process of securing those pieces in free agency is rarely straightforward, especially for a team with unique financial constraints and a championship window that demands careful management of assets.
Al Horford is perhaps the most intriguing of these targets. The veteran big man brings a combination of defensive intelligence, versatility, and leadership that would fit nicely alongside Draymond Green on the defensive end. Horford’s ability to switch across multiple positions and protect the rim without relying purely on athleticism is a quality that could help the Warriors shore up some defensive vulnerabilities that have been exposed in recent playoff runs. Offensively, Horford is a capable passer and a floor spacer who can hit mid-range jumpers and occasional threes, giving Golden State an added dimension in their half-court sets. Moreover, Horford’s veteran presence and experience in deep playoff runs with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers align well with the Warriors’ culture of professionalism and championship-minded focus.
The challenge for the Warriors with Horford, however, lies in the financial and roster implications. Horford’s asking price in free agency will reflect his proven track record and value around the league, and Golden State must balance this against the salary cap and luxury tax considerations that come with maintaining a roster around their superstars. The Warriors have made it clear that they want to maintain flexibility to potentially add multiple complementary pieces rather than commit a large chunk of their cap space to a single veteran. This dynamic explains why, despite their interest, no formal offer or signing has yet materialized.
Malcolm Brogdon represents a different, yet equally compelling, target for Golden State. Brogdon’s skill set as a guard who can run an offense, create off the dribble, and defend multiple positions would provide the Warriors with valuable depth and versatility in the backcourt. Brogdon is an excellent playmaker with a high basketball IQ, which suits Golden State’s emphasis on ball movement and unselfish team play. His ability to play both on and off the ball allows for flexibility in the lineup, making it easier for coach Steve Kerr to adapt his rotations based on matchups and game flow.
One of Brogdon’s key attributes is his steady shooting stroke, especially from beyond the arc, which complements the Warriors’ emphasis on spacing and perimeter scoring. While Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will always be the focal points of Golden State’s offense, having a player like Brogdon who can shoulder some playmaking responsibilities reduces the burden on the superstars and adds a level of unpredictability for opposing defenses. Brogdon’s defensive acumen is also crucial; his ability to guard multiple positions and navigate defensive schemes enhances the Warriors’ ability to switch and trap without losing effectiveness.
Yet, similar to Horford, Brogdon’s potential signing comes with salary and contractual challenges. He is coming off a significant injury but has demonstrated resilience and effectiveness when healthy. The Warriors must weigh the risk versus reward of investing in Brogdon’s health and long-term contribution. Additionally, Golden State’s financial structure means that any deal must be carefully crafted to avoid hampering their ability to add other necessary pieces.
Seth Curry, the younger brother of Klay Thompson, offers a different type of value. While not as versatile as Horford or Brogdon, Seth Curry’s shooting prowess and familiarity with the Warriors’ style of play make him a natural fit. Over the past few seasons, Seth has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable shooters from deep, and in Golden State’s system, where spacing and three-point shooting are paramount, his skill set is highly coveted. Curry’s presence on the floor forces defenses to respect the perimeter threat, opening lanes for slashers like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to operate more freely.
Beyond the on-court fit, Seth’s return to Golden State also carries a narrative and chemistry component. Having a Curry brother duo again on the roster could boost team morale and fan engagement, while Seth’s understanding of the team’s culture and expectations would ease the integration process. His ability to play off the ball and space the floor aligns with the Warriors’ offensive philosophy, which prioritizes movement, passing, and open looks. Moreover, Seth Curry is a known quantity; his prior tenure with Golden State demonstrated that he can contribute meaningfully in limited minutes.
However, as with the other targets, the Warriors face logistical hurdles with signing Seth. The market for shooters is competitive, and Golden State’s financial position means that any offer must fit within a broader plan to balance depth, talent, and salary constraints. Additionally, there is the question of whether Seth will command a larger contract given his shooting ability and league reputation, which could complicate Golden State’s cap situation.
Beyond these individual targets, the Warriors’ broader offseason strategy appears to be one of patience and precision. After several years of assembling a championship core and navigating salary cap challenges, Golden State understands the importance of not overpaying or rushing into deals that could disrupt their roster balance or limit future flexibility. The team’s front office, led by General Manager Bob Myers, is known for its calculated approach, prioritizing smart investments and retaining the core that has brought three championships in the last decade.
The Warriors are also mindful of the changing NBA landscape. With younger, more athletic teams emerging as contenders, Golden State must continue to find ways to blend experience, shooting, and defensive versatility. The team’s aging core means that each offseason move must account not only for immediate impact but also for sustainability over multiple years. This context partially explains why the Warriors have held back so far in free agency, carefully evaluating the market and waiting for the right fit rather than making rash decisions.
Moreover, Golden State’s salary cap situation is complex. With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green occupying significant portions of the cap space, the Warriors have limited flexibility to add marquee players without creative financial maneuvering. This has led them to explore value-driven free agents who can contribute within reasonable contracts. The presence of young players like Jordan Poole also factors into roster planning; the Warriors must balance the development of emerging talent with the acquisition of proven veterans.
Another aspect to consider is the Warriors’ recent experience in the playoffs. While the team remains a favorite, they have shown vulnerabilities, especially against teams with strong interior defense and athletic wings. This has informed their interest in players like Horford, whose defensive acumen and basketball IQ can help shore up those weaknesses. Similarly, the desire to add a versatile guard like Brogdon addresses the need for depth and playmaking beyond the primary stars.
The Warriors’ cautious approach also reflects the competitive nature of this offseason. Several teams with cap space and pressing needs are aggressively pursuing free agents, driving up prices and complicating negotiations. For Golden State, who must be mindful of the luxury tax and long-term cap implications, waiting for the right market conditions makes sense. The possibility of sign-and-trade deals, midseason trades, or even the pursuit of under-the-radar talent through lesser-known avenues is part of their strategic toolbox.
In summary, while the Golden State Warriors have not yet made a free-agency move this offseason, their interest in Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, and Seth Curry signals a clear vision for their roster’s future. These players represent the types of veterans who can complement the Warriors’ core strengths—shooting, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility—while maintaining a championship culture. The delay in signing any of them reflects the team’s cautious and strategic approach, shaped by financial constraints, competitive market dynamics, and a commitment to building a sustainable contender rather than a short-term fix.
As the offseason unfolds, the Warriors’ front office will continue to evaluate opportunities, negotiate terms, and adjust plans based on the evolving landscape. For fans and analysts alike, this patient approach may be frustrating in the short term, but it underscores Golden State’s commitment to maintaining their status as one of the NBA’s elite franchises. The final roster moves—whenever they come—will be critical in determining whether the Warriors can extend their dynasty and compete at the highest level for years to come.
Until then, the NBA world watches with anticipation as Golden State navigates free agency with measured steps, holding out for the right pieces to complete their championship puzzle. The names Horford, Brogdon, and Seth Curry remain front and center in those plans, representing the blend of experience, skill, and fit that the Warriors believe will keep them in the title conversation for seasons ahead.
