The Golden State Warriors and the Potential Move of Their Young Core Players

The Golden State Warriors have been a powerhouse in the NBA over the last decade, securing four championships between 2015 and 2022 and consistently being one of the most competitive teams in the league. However, as the franchise looks to maintain its title-contending status, it finds itself at a crossroads. With the aging core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors face the dilemma of balancing championship contention with the future of their roster.

A major topic of discussion in recent months has been the possibility that the Warriors could move some of their young core players. This could be a critical decision for the team, shaping their future for years to come. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Warriors might consider trading their young players, the impact on the team’s future, and what the potential moves could mean for the franchise.

The Warriors’ Current Roster and the Role of the Young Core

Before diving into the potential trades, it’s important to understand the current makeup of the Warriors’ roster. Over the past few seasons, the Warriors have shifted from a team built primarily around its veteran stars (Curry, Thompson, and Green) to one that has invested in a mix of young talent. This change is a natural progression, as the team looks to build for the future while still competing for championships.

Key young players on the Warriors’ roster include Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman (though Wiseman was traded to Detroit in February 2023, the overall young core is still important for the team). These players were drafted with high expectations and are seen as the future of the franchise. Here’s a closer look at each of these young talents:

1. Moses Moody – A versatile wing player with a smooth shooting stroke, Moody was selected 14th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. His defensive potential and ability to contribute as a 3-and-D player have made him a promising prospect, but his development has been slower than some expected, as he has had to adjust to the Warriors’ complex system.
2. Jonathan Kuminga – The most high-profile young player on the roster, Kuminga is an athletic forward with a rare combination of size, speed, and skill. A top-7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga’s raw talent is undeniable, but his consistency and basketball IQ remain works in progress. Nonetheless, his potential to become a versatile two-way player makes him an intriguing asset.
3. James Wiseman – The 2nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman’s career with the Warriors has been tumultuous. Injuries and a lack of development in his time with Golden State led to his eventual trade to the Detroit Pistons. Although he is no longer on the roster, his brief stint with the team was a cautionary tale of the risks involved in drafting young players and the need for immediate contributions in a win-now environment.

These young players represent the Warriors’ investment in the future, but they also pose a challenge in terms of how best to incorporate them into the team’s existing structure. The question for the Warriors is whether these young players can develop quickly enough to contribute to a championship run while the team’s veteran stars are still in their prime.

The Warriors’ Title Window and the Aging Core

As of the 2023-2024 season, the Warriors’ championship window is largely dependent on the performance and health of their veteran core: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Curry, now 36 years old, is still playing at an MVP level, but his window to lead the Warriors to another title is naturally closing. Thompson, 34, has had to battle back from significant injuries (two torn ACLs), but his shooting remains elite. Green, 34, still impacts the game with his defense, playmaking, and leadership, though his offensive limitations are more pronounced as he ages.

These three stars are essential to the team’s identity, but they are not getting any younger. The Warriors’ title aspirations are therefore directly tied to how well they can surround this core with enough talent to remain competitive. The challenge is that as the trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green age, the team will need to transition to a new generation of stars to maintain long-term success.

At the same time, the Warriors’ success has been built on their ability to develop young players alongside the veteran core, but the clock is ticking. Golden State’s success in the 2022 championship run, for example, relied heavily on contributions from players like Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Poole—three players who were relatively young or had only recently developed into key contributors. The Warriors will need to continue this mix of youth and experience to stay competitive.

Why the Warriors Might Consider Moving Their Young Core Players

Given the Warriors’ need to maintain championship contention while planning for the future, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of trading some of their young players. The Warriors have shown a willingness to trade draft picks or young players to win now, and with their aging stars, the team might look to make a move to bolster their roster in the short term.

There are several reasons why the Warriors might consider moving their young core:

1. Immediate Championship Contention – The Warriors are in win-now mode. With Curry, Thompson, and Green still capable of competing at the highest level, the team needs to surround them with complementary pieces that can help win championships immediately. Trading some of their young players for an established star, or key role players who can contribute immediately, could help the Warriors stay competitive.
2. Logjam at Key Positions – The Warriors have a number of players at the same positions as their young core. For example, Moody and Kuminga play the same wing positions, and their development could be slowed by the minutes and opportunities needed to compete for a championship. If the Warriors feel that some of these players aren’t likely to see significant roles, they could opt to move them to get a player who fits their needs better.
3. Developmental Uncertainty – Not all young players develop at the same rate, and some may never reach their projected potential. The Warriors have invested a lot in their young players, but if they believe that a particular player will not be able to contribute to the team’s championship aspirations, they may opt to trade them for a more proven commodity.
4. The Luxury Tax and Financial Flexibility – The Warriors have long been one of the NBA’s highest-spending teams, and their payroll often exceeds the league’s luxury tax threshold. Moving younger, less-expensive players could help the team avoid financial penalties and create more flexibility for future roster moves.
5. Unclear Long-Term Fit – Although players like Kuminga and Moody have intriguing potential, their fit alongside the Warriors’ established stars is not guaranteed. The team’s system relies heavily on spacing, ball movement, and elite shooting, and not all young players can adapt to that style quickly. If the Warriors believe that their younger players will not seamlessly fit into the team’s culture and system, they might consider trading them for assets that better align with their needs.

Potential Trade Scenarios

If the Warriors were to move some of their young players, there are several potential trade scenarios that could unfold. These could involve trading for immediate help or future assets that align with the team’s long-term goals.

1. Kuminga for a Star Player – As the most highly touted member of the Warriors’ young core, Kuminga would likely bring back the most value in a trade. The Warriors could potentially look to trade him for a star player or an All-Star caliber talent who could help them in their title pursuit. A potential target could be a forward who can provide scoring and defense, such as Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors or OG Anunoby. Both players would add immediate impact to the Warriors, especially on the defensive end.
2. Moody for Depth – While Moody has shown promise, he is likely more of a rotational player in the Warriors’ system. He could be traded for another solid role player, perhaps someone who could add depth to their bench or provide additional shooting. Players like Malik Beasley or Doug McDermott, who could add shooting depth, might be of interest to Golden State.
3. Packaging Young Players for a Superstar – A more ambitious move could involve the Warriors packaging several of their young players (Kuminga, Moody, and possibly future draft picks) for a superstar or a high-level contributor. This would likely require them to make significant salary-matching moves, but a player like Kevin Durant, if available, or a disgruntled superstar could be on the radar. Such a move would be a bold bet on their ability to win another title with the new addition alongside Curry and Thompson.