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Warriors: Breaking down the roster ahead of free agency

By Peter O'Keefe

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Kevon Looney #5 and Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors speak to the media after defeating the Golden State Warriors 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Kevon Looney #5 and Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors speak to the media after defeating the Golden State Warriors 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

In a period where most contending teams aim to strengthen their hopes through signing experienced veterans, the NBA champion Golden State Warriors appear set to double down on their youth movement.

The Warriors are expected to sign both Patrick Baldwin Jr. (28th pick) and Ryan Rollins (44th pick) to their 15-man roster, leaving the franchise with five open spots heading into the free agency window.

After acquiring even more young talent through the draft, the Warriors will now set about retaining key members of their championship roster in free agency. 

The Warriors currently have ten players under contract for next season, assuming the plans for Baldwin and Rollins materialize as above. Incredibly, six of those are 23 years of age or younger – Jordan Poole, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and the two recent draftees.

The additions of Baldwin and Rollins provide a clear indication of the front office’s confidence in Wiseman, Moody, and Kuminga as rotation players next season. If they weren’t, then they may have traded out of the Baldwin pick and foreseeably signed Rollins to a two-way contract.

Then there’s the core four who led the Warriors to what even Steve Kerr termed as an ‘unlikely’ championship. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green will make nearly $150 million combined next season.

It’s worth noting that Poole, Wiggins (both contracted till the end of next season), Green (player option for 2023-24), and even Thompson (contracted till end of 2023-24) will be eligible for contract extensions.

Expect extensions for Poole and Wiggins to become priorities post the free agency period, with both players developing into integral parts of the Warriors’ future plans.

With such a young roster, and with fans emotionally connected to their championship team, Bob Myers and the front office are under some pressure to bring back the more experienced role players.

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