Malcolm Brogdon, Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors drives towards the basket against Malcolm Brogdon.
The Golden State Warriors remain one of the few contenders still sitting quietly in free agency. With Stephen Curry entering the back end of his prime, Golden State has every reason to explore ways to add immediate impact.
One name perhaps stands out above the rest: Malcolm Brogdon.
Why the Warriors Should Target Brogdon
Golden State Warriors, Malcolm Brogdon, Andrew Wiggins
GettyMalcolm Brogdon playing against the Golden State Warriors.
Brogdon is among the top free agents still available. He’s also the type of value signing Golden State should be monitoring closely. Last season with the Washington Wizards, he was limited by injuries, suiting up for just 24 games. Still, he managed to average 12.7 points and 4.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
The former Sixth Man of the Year has a proven track record of efficiency. A member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, Brogdon thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat while providing strong positional defense. Even if he’s not the most durable option, he represents the kind of experienced floor general who could elevate Golden State’s bench and steady their second unit.
For the Warriors, this type of calculated addition makes sense. Brogdon could be available at a discount, and that’s the sort of opportunity contenders can’t afford to overlook.
The Warriors’ Roster Stalemate
Of course, nothing is happening in Golden State until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is still at a standstill with the front office, creating what NBA insider Jake Fischer described as an “uncomfortable wait” for both the team and the free-agent market.
Fischer noted that Golden State does have interest in Brogdon. The question is whether the Warriors will become “more serious” about pursuing him once the Kuminga domino falls. Luxury tax concerns loom large, and that’s why there hasn’t been movement yet.
Still, the team has multiple guard targets on its radar. Gary Payton II is expected to return. De’Anthony Melton, who played just six games before tearing his ACL, could also be brought back. But Brogdon represents something different — a proven playmaker and scorer who hasn’t yet had a run in Golden State.
A Look at Brogdon’s Market
Brogdon is drawing interest around the league, though his market has been slower than expected. Part of that comes down to his health. Over the last two seasons, he’s played for rebuilding franchises, making it hard to gauge his true value.
But when surrounded by talent, he has proven he can thrive. In Boston’s 2022–23 campaign, he averaged 15 points in 67 games while shooting 44 percent from three. During the Celtics’ playoff run that year, he added 12 points a night while hitting 40 percent from deep.
That’s the version of Brogdon the Warriors are hoping to unlock — a veteran who can stabilize their backcourt and deliver in the postseason.
The Verdict
For the Warriors, signing Brogdon wouldn’t be a flashy move. It would be a shrewd one. His shooting, defense, and playmaking are tailor-made for Steve Kerr’s system. More importantly, he fits the timeline of a team still built around Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Golden State doesn’t have much margin for error. If the goal is squeezing another title run out of this core, taking a low-risk swing on Brogdon could prove to be the kind of subtle offseason move that pays off in June.