Following a disappointing end to their 2024–25 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors are expected to aggressively target an elite perimeter defender in the offseason as they look to retool their roster and return to championship contention. With aging stars and defensive lapses plaguing the team throughout the year, front office executives are reportedly prioritizing defensive versatility and athleticism on the wing as one of their main areas of need.
Golden State’s core—headlined by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson—has remained largely intact over the past decade, yielding four championships and six Finals appearances. However, the team’s once-vaunted defense has steadily declined in recent seasons. Thompson, while still a valuable shooter, has lost a step on the defensive end after multiple injuries. Andrew Wiggins, once hailed as the Warriors’ top wing stopper, was inconsistent this season, struggling to find rhythm and stay healthy. Jonathan Kuminga made strides, but remains raw in key situational matchups.
Sources around the league suggest the Warriors are now in the market for a high-impact wing who can defend the NBA’s top scorers, ideally someone with size, speed, and the ability to switch across multiple positions. Several names have emerged as possible targets. Among them: OG Anunoby, if the Knicks are willing to engage in trade talks; Matisse Thybulle, a defensive specialist with Portland; and even De’Andre Hunter, whose future with the Atlanta Hawks remains uncertain amid roster shakeups.
Golden State’s financial flexibility remains a challenge. The team is operating above the luxury tax and under the restrictions of the second apron, which limits their ability to use the full mid-level exception or execute sign-and-trades. As such, the Warriors may have to rely on trades, possibly involving young assets such as Moses Moody, draft picks, or salary fillers like Gary Payton II. While Payton has been a solid defender himself, injuries and size limitations have impacted his availability and effectiveness.
Team executives are also reportedly open to exploring more significant roster changes if the right opportunity arises. That could include moving off a veteran contract, or even considering a blockbuster if a star wing becomes available. Internal discussions have emphasized the need to surround Curry with elite defenders to maximize his final prime years and reduce the defensive burden on him during playoff series.
Coach Steve Kerr has long emphasized defense as the foundation of the Warriors’ identity, and restoring that edge has become a priority after finishing in the middle of the pack in defensive rating. Opposing wings had considerable success against Golden State this past season, exposing holes in transition defense, perimeter containment, and closeouts on the three-point line.
The 2025 NBA Draft and free agency period could offer additional opportunities for improvement, but barring a major surprise, any significant defensive upgrade is expected to come through trade. The Warriors’ brass is expected to be aggressive in identifying opportunities, particularly with pressure mounting to capitalize on the remaining championship window.
As the offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Golden State to see whether they can land the kind of defensive ace needed to anchor the next phase of their dynasty.
