As of 2025, the NBA landscape continues to evolve, with new stars emerging and others fading into the background. Among those who have seen their careers take unexpected turns are a few former Golden State Warriors players who have yet to find employment in the league. These players, once key contributors to the Warriors’ rise to dominance in the 2010s, are now facing the harsh reality of an ever-changing NBA, where youth, health, and fit have become critical factors in securing a roster spot.
The Rise and Fall of the Warriors Dynasty
The Golden State Warriors’ success in the 2010s is one of the most remarkable stories in NBA history. Led by stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors not only captured multiple championships but also revolutionized the game with their emphasis on three-point shooting and small-ball lineups. Along the way, several other players played crucial roles in the team’s success, some of whom are now searching for new opportunities in the NBA, struggling to find work after their time in Golden State.
Three former Warriors, in particular, stand out in 2025 for being unemployed, despite their past contributions to the team’s success. Their stories are emblematic of the challenges many veterans face as the NBA continues to place increasing value on younger, healthier players and emerging talent.
Player 1: Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala’s name is synonymous with the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. A key member of the team’s success, Iguodala was not only a versatile defender and playmaker but also a key figure in clutch moments, including his Finals MVP performance in 2015. His ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate offense, and hit critical shots made him invaluable, particularly in the Warriors’ small-ball “Death Lineup.”
However, by 2025, Iguodala, who is now in his early 40s, has seen his career take a slow decline due to age and injury concerns. After multiple seasons in Golden State, he retired briefly but returned to the league in an advisory and leadership role. Over the last few years, though, his playing time became more sporadic, and he found himself unable to maintain the level of performance that once earned him accolades as one of the NBA’s top all-around players.
As of 2025, Iguodala remains unemployed, with many speculating that his age, combined with the physical demands of the modern NBA, has made him less appealing to teams. While his leadership, experience, and knowledge of the game would be beneficial to any locker room, few teams are willing to take a chance on a player who can no longer provide the same defensive and offensive contributions he did in his prime.
Player 2: David West
David West’s NBA career was defined by his rugged style of play, his leadership, and his consistent contributions in the frontcourt. Known for his mid-range jumper and tough defense, West was a critical role player for the Warriors during their 2017 and 2018 championship runs. He provided a stabilizing presence off the bench, offering a sense of toughness and poise that helped the Warriors maintain their composure in the heat of playoff battles.
By the time he retired in 2018, West had built a reputation as a selfless veteran who could contribute in a variety of ways. His basketball IQ and experience were invaluable to the Warriors, particularly in high-pressure situations. However, West’s age and injuries began to catch up with him, and despite showing flashes of his former self, his decline in mobility and effectiveness limited his appeal in the later stages of his career.
In 2025, David West is still out of the league, despite his proven ability to play within a system and contribute as a leader. Like Iguodala, his age and physical limitations have made him a less attractive option for teams looking to prioritize youth and athleticism. His time with the Warriors cemented his legacy as a crucial contributor to their success, but the NBA’s shift towards faster-paced, high-flying offenses may have left West’s style of play less relevant in today’s game.
Player 3: Shaun Livingston
Shaun Livingston’s story is one of resilience and determination. After overcoming a catastrophic knee injury early in his career, Livingston found a new lease on life with the Warriors. As a backup point guard, he provided the team with stability, excellent decision-making, and a steady hand in clutch moments. Livingston’s length, defense, and mid-range jumper were key components of the Warriors’ championship-winning squads, particularly during their 2015 title run.
Unfortunately, Livingston’s career was also marked by injuries, and as he entered his late 30s, the wear and tear on his body became more evident. Despite his basketball IQ and leadership, Livingston struggled to maintain the same level of quickness and explosiveness that had once made him an intriguing prospect. Like many players nearing the end of their careers, Livingston faced the harsh reality that his body could no longer keep up with the demands of the NBA.
By 2025, Shaun Livingston is still without a team, despite his impressive basketball acumen and leadership qualities. His past success with Golden State and his ability to run an offense with poise should theoretically make him a valuable asset to a playoff-bound team, yet the NBA’s preference for younger, more athletic players has left Livingston on the outside looking in.
The Changing NBA Landscape
The NBA in 2025 is a far different place than the one these players entered in the early 2000s. While the Warriors’ style of play—emphasizing spacing, shooting, and versatility—was revolutionary, the league’s trend towards high-tempo offenses and heavy reliance on analytics has reshaped how teams evaluate players. The once-great Warriors are now in a phase of transition, with a focus on maintaining their championship window while embracing younger talent.
For veterans like Iguodala, West, and Livingston, this shift presents a challenge. The modern NBA values speed, athleticism, and three-point shooting, all areas where these players have declined or have been surpassed by younger counterparts. The rise of positionless basketball also means that teams are looking for players who can seamlessly switch between roles and positions, a skillset that, while still valuable in some areas, isn’t always a perfect fit for the older generation of Warriors players.
Additionally, the NBA has become increasingly focused on player development, particularly in terms of younger, more versatile players. Teams are increasingly building for the future, investing in young talent and seeking to develop their skill sets over several years, rather than relying on aging veterans who may only offer limited contributions. This makes it more difficult for players like Iguodala, West, and Livingston, whose prime years have long passed, to find a place on a roster.
Another factor contributing to their unemployment is the depth of talent across the NBA. The league’s expanded pool of international players, as well as the increasing quality of prospects coming from college and the G-League, has resulted in a highly competitive market for roster spots. Teams are no longer as inclined to take a risk on older players when they can develop younger, cheaper options who may fit better into the evolving style of play.
Why Are Former Warriors Players Struggling?
The struggle faced by Iguodala, West, and Livingston can be attributed to several key factors, all of which highlight the challenges of sustaining a career in the NBA.
- Age and Declining Performance: As players grow older, their physical attributes naturally decline. Speed, agility, and durability all decrease with age, which makes it harder for older players to keep up with the younger, faster pace of the league. For veterans like Iguodala, West, and Livingston, who built their careers on defensive prowess, leadership, and basketball IQ, their ability to contribute consistently has diminished.
- The Evolving Nature of the Game: The NBA’s shift towards a more fast-paced, high-scoring game has placed a premium on players who can stretch the floor and provide space for ball handlers. For players like West and Livingston, whose game was more grounded in mid-range shooting and playmaking, adapting to the modern NBA has been difficult. The game has evolved to prioritize three-point shooting, athleticism, and versatility—traits that don’t align with the skill sets of these former Warriors players.
- Depth of Young Talent: The NBA is in the midst of a youth movement, with many teams building around their young stars. The influx of international talent and the rise of the G-League as a viable developmental route have created an even deeper pool of potential talent, making it harder for older veterans to carve out a spot on a roster. Teams are now more inclined to invest in younger players who may not be as polished but have more upside and potential for growth.
- Health and Injury Concerns: Injuries have been a constant theme in the careers of these three players. For Iguodala and Livingston, their physical setbacks—particularly the latter’s knee injury—have hampered their ability to stay at the top of their game. West, while relatively injury-free, also had to contend with the natural wear and tear of an extended career. As teams increasingly focus on player health and longevity, those with a history of injuries are often seen as higher risks.
The Future for These Veterans
While these players may find themselves without contracts in 2025, their contributions to the Warriors’ dynasty should not be overlooked. They played pivotal roles in the team’s success and helped establish the foundation for one of the most successful stretches in NBA history. Whether they eventually return to the league in a limited role, move into coaching or front office positions, or retire for good, their legacies are secure.
For now, the NBA may have passed them by, but the impact they had on the Golden State Warriors and the broader NBA cannot be erased. Even if their playing days are over, their knowledge of the game, leadership skills, and ability to mentor younger players may still find a place in the league in some capacity.
In the fast-moving world of professional basketball, where youth and athleticism often take precedence, veterans like Iguodala, West, and Livingston are reminders of the importance of experience and leadership—qualities that may be undervalued in the present, but that will always remain crucial to the success of any team.
