Golden State Warriors projected draft pick Braylon Mullins
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Uconn's Braylon Mullins during a game against Creighton in January 2026
With the trade deadline now behind them and the season resuming after the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors are already beginning to look towards the future.
Injuries have clouded the team’s outlook. Jimmy Butler has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and part of 2026-27 with a torn ACL, while Steph Curry continues to manage a lingering knee issue.
Newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis is also working his way back from injury, adding further uncertainty to Golden State’s immediate trajectory.
As it stands, the Warriors remain firmly in the play-in picture with a 29-26 record, but their long-term roster construction is becoming an increasing focus.
With Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green already commanding a significant portion of future salary cap space, and Porzingis potentially joining them if he re-signs in unrestricted free agency, the 2026 NBA Draft presents an opportunity to add young, cost-controlled talent to support the franchise’s next phase.
Golden State Warriors Linked to UConn Guard in Draft Projection
The Warriors currently retain control of their future draft picks and are projected to select in the middle of the first round.
Bleacher Report draft analyst Jonathan Wasserman has Golden State selecting UConn freshman guard Braylon Mullins with the 16th overall pick, identifying him as a potential long-term backcourt option who could complement the team’s shooting-heavy identity and eventually help bridge the post-Curry era.
Through 20 games this season, Mullins is averaging 12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 45.3% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
While those numbers are strong, Wasserman believes Mullins’ appeal goes beyond simple percentages. His shooting mechanics and natural scoring instincts have caught the attention of evaluators across the league.
“Teams won’t bother putting much stock into Braylon Mullins’ three-point percentages,” Wasserman wrote. “The eye test on his shotmaking is super convincing between the deep range, pull-up ability and quick release, footwork and elevation shooting off movement.”
That skillset aligns naturally with Golden State’s offensive philosophy, which has long prioritized perimeter shooting and dynamic guard play.
Warriors Eye Long-Term Backcourt Reinforcement Through Draft
Mullins recently delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season.
Despite UConn’s loss to Creighton on Wednesday, just their third defeat of the campaign, the 19-year-old scored a career-high 25 points, knocking down six three-pointers on 11 attempts.
He finished 9-of-22 from the field overall while also contributing six rebounds, one block, and two steals, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple areas.
Wasserman also highlighted Mullins’ broader potential beyond scoring.
“He complements the perimeter firepower with enough useful athleticism at both ends and IQ to add finishing, passing and defensive toughness,” he added.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Mullins has demonstrated encouraging defensive instincts. He has recorded multiple blocks in four games this season and registered at least two steals on seven separate occasions, including back-to-back three-steal performances in mid-January.
Still, his shooting remains his defining trait. NBA Draft Room described Mullins as “an elite three-point shooter with a lightening quick release and deadly accuracy from downtown… he clearly looks like a high level NBA two-guard.”
For a Warriors team balancing present competitiveness with future planning, Mullins represents the type of high-upside addition that could strengthen the roster for years to come.