Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Getty
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Golden State Warriors appear positioned for a significant roster reshaping, armed with a deep pool of assets that could enable major moves.
Following the trade deadline, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. expressed confidence in the organization’s flexibility, pointing to Golden State’s control of four first-round picks and multiple pick swap rights over the next seven years.
Financially, the Warriors also have movable contracts to help facilitate deals.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, the $18 million salary of Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski could be included in trade scenarios, while Kristaps Porzingis could also factor into potential sign-and-trade discussions if he approves such a move.
While Golden State is expected to re-enter the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes this summer, alongside much of the league, the draft presents another pathway that could prove equally valuable in shaping the franchise’s future.
Golden State Warriors Could Target Alabama Breakout Guard
Although their draft capital could be used in a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo or another established star, it also offers the opportunity to strengthen the roster internally with young, cost-controlled talent.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman projected the Warriors to select Alabama point guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through 26 games this season, Philon has averaged 21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting an efficient 50.3% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
After posting 10.6 points and 3.8 assists per game as a freshman, the 20-year-old has taken a major leap, emerging as one of college basketball’s most productive scorers.
His 21.3 points per game currently rank 14th nationally.
“Consistency and improved shooting have helped sway scouts to buy Labaron Philon’s breakout and NBA outlook,” Wasserman wrote. “He’s making over two threes a game, finishing at the rim with improved craft and converting his touch shots using signature footwork and control.”
“He is benefiting from high usage and a green light. And his pull-up shooting hasn’t been nearly as accurate as his catch-and-shoot game. There will likely be teams that prefer the younger point guards who are also more natural playmakers.”
Philon’s offensive breakout has been fueled by several standout performances. He has scored 25 or more points in eight games this season, including a dominant 35-point showing against Arkansas in mid-February.
In that contest, he shot 11-of-21 from the field, knocked down three three-pointers, and converted 10-of-13 free throws, while also recording seven assists.
Philon’s Scoring Surge and Versatility Highlight Long-Term Upside
Philon’s playmaking has been equally encouraging, with five games of seven assists and a season-high of eight.
Despite standing at 6-foot-4, Philon has also contributed on the glass, recording five or more rebounds in five games. His most notable effort came in December against Arizona, when he finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a complete all-around performance.
Defensively, he has flashed promising instincts, recording multiple steals in several games and even contributing occasional blocks.
“Philon is one of the shiftiest scorers in this class,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo recently reported. “He has displayed all-around strides this season, keeping himself in the first-round picture and offering shot-creation chops as a ball handler.”
“Without top-end strength or explosiveness at his position, he projects better as a combo guard who can give teams an extra punch off the bench rather than as a full-time point guard.”
That projection could make him an ideal fit in Golden State’s system. Surrounded by established offensive creators such as Stephen Curry, Philon would not be asked to carry a primary playmaking load early in his career.
Instead, he could develop as a spot-up threat and secondary creator while gradually expanding his role. With the 2026 guard class viewed as particularly deep, Woo noted that Philon could remain available in the mid-to-late first round.
For a Golden State Warriors team balancing immediate contention with long-term planning, landing a dynamic scoring guard in that range could prove to be a valuable addition both now and in the post-Curry era.