Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Getty
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have endured an inconsistent and injury-riddled campaign, leaving the franchise firmly fixed in the Western Conference play-in race.
Even so, attention around the organization has gradually begun to shift towards the offseason, where significant roster decisions could await.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently expressed confidence in the Warriors’ collection of assets, highlighting the team’s control of four first-round picks and multiple pick swaps over the next seven years.
Golden State also holds several contracts that could help facilitate potential moves.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks has noted, the combined $18 million salaries of Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski could be included in trade discussions, while Kristaps Porzingis may also become part of offseason maneuvering if he approves a sign-and-trade scenario.
Golden State Warriors Could Use Draft to Strengthen Backcourt
Golden State Warriors trade target Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyGolden State Warriors trade target Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Like much of the league, the Warriors are expected to monitor the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes if the Milwaukee Bucks superstar becomes available this summer.
However, the same draft capital that could fuel a blockbuster trade also presents another path forward in adding young, cost-controlled talent capable of contributing to the team’s long-term outlook.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman projected the Warriors to select UConn guard Braylon Mullins with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through 23 games this season, Mullins is averaging 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.1% from the field and an impressive 38.2% from three-point range on 6.3 attempts per game.
“Braylon Mullins’ usage and shots vary game-to-game as an off-ball scorer, so NBA teams won’t put much stock into the production or statistics,” Wasserman wrote. “He’s a top-20 pick based on eye test, archetype, fit and the translatability tied to his positional size, spot-up and movement shooting, shotmaking diversity and defensive competitiveness.”
“Mullins won’t have 25-point games often like the one he had against Creighton. But more will come, as he’s the type capable of catching fire once the game-script calls for more firepower and his confidence starts pumping.”
Mullins’ Shooting Profile Fits Warriors’ System
Golden State Warriors projected draft pick Braylon Mullins
GettyGolden State Warriors projected draft pick Braylon Mullins, UConn Huskies
Wasserman has repeatedly linked Mullins to Golden State in his mock drafts, reinforcing the potential fit between the freshman guard and the Warriors’ backcourt.
His skill set mirrors the type of perimeter talent Golden State has long prioritized, guards who can space the floor, move without the ball, and thrive in a shooting-heavy offensive system.
Mullins has eclipsed the 20-point mark twice this season, highlighted by a career-high 25-point outing against Creighton in mid-February.
Although he shot 9-of-22 from the field that night, the 19-year-old showcased his range by knocking down six three-pointers while adding six rebounds, two steals, and a block.
His other standout scoring performance came in January, when he poured in 24 points in a win over Providence, shooting an efficient 8-of-14 from the field and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.
While Wasserman has also praised Mullins’ defensive competitiveness, his perimeter shooting remains the most eye-catching aspect of his game.
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 Golden State Warriors team attempting to remain competitive while also preparing for the future, a prospect like Mullins represents the kind of high-upside addition capable of strengthening the roster for years to come.