The Golden State Warriors enter the 2026-27 season as an afterthought to some but are one of the more profound sleeper teams in the league. Golden State returns with practically the same roster from last season, only adding their 2026 draft picks and a couple free agent signings.
The Warriors battled extensive injuries throughout the previous season and managed to sneak into the NBA Play-In Tournament, but failed to make the playoffs, losing in an elimination game for the No. 8-seed to the Phoenix Suns. It was just the second time since their 2022 championship that they missed the postseason which brought questions whether it was the last dance.
The only players remaining from their four-title dynasty that began in 2015 are Stephen Curry, Draymond
Green and head coach Steve Kerr and all could have been gone this offseason after expiring contracts. Kerr contemplated retirement last year, but he's in for two more years. Green is back for another season andtalks to ensure Curry retires a Warrior have already started. It might not be the last dance, but this is surely, the final act.
With an eerily similar roster, Golden State are putting emphasis on team-chemistry but they remain one of the deadlier threats on one contingency – maintaining health. Jimmy Butler missed 44 games with a torn ACL injury last season, while Moses Moody is recovering from a patellar tendon tear in his left knee that caused him to miss the final 22 games. Curry was out 27 games last year with jumper's knee. They answered questions at center by acquiring versatile big man Kristaps Porzingis in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, but he played on minute-restrictions as he recovered from earlier injuries and illness. Still, his natural fit, and the need to fill the position, was every reason for the Warriors to sign him to an extension this offseason.
Golden State has perennial "what-if" potential and there's belief within the organization that – if healthy – there is a path to a championship.
Here's a breakdown of the Golden State Warriors' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Golden State Warriors offseason review
- Record last season: 37-45 (10th in Western Conference)
- Playoff finish: Lost in NBA Play-In Tournament, No. 8-seed elimination game
- Coach: Steve Kerr (13th season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +6600 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record : 41-41
- Offseason grade : F
Key roster additions
- G Brandon Williams (free agent signing)
- F Georges Niang (free agent signing)
- F Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
- F Lajae Jones (No. 56 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
Key roster losses
- C Quinten Post (free agent, Warriors decline offer)
- F Pat Spencer (free agent)
Biggest question entering training camp
Can the Warriors remain healthy enough to compete?
- The Warriors have a variety of questions to answer: will rookie Yaxel Lendeborg have an immediate impact? will Brandin Podziemski get a new contract? how will new additions fit-in? how consistent can this supporting cast be? However none of those questions the Golden States faces are larger than the question of their health. Last year, despite all the setbacks, they managed to squeak into the Play-In tournament. The likelihood of aging superstars being 100% by April takes some luck, simply put. If the Warriors are healthy, you can place them on the court with anyone and there's belief they have a chance to win.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Stephen Curry
- G Jimmy Butler (ACL) - Expected by early 2027
- F Yaxel Lendborg
- F Draymond Green
- C Kristaps Porzingis
Rotation players
- G Brandon Williams
- G Brandin Podziemski
- G Gary Payton II
- G De'Anthony Melton
- F Gui Santos
- F Georges Niang
- C Charles Bassey
- C Al Horford
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Warriors have potential to be in the mix for a Western Conference postseason berth on the strength of returning players and building on team chemistry. But first they have to get there through enduring a grueling 82-game season that's already starting without key guys, Butler and Moody. It expected that Curry will do what he's capable of doing, even still at 38. The Warriors will only go as far as Curry can take them but their focus will be on everyone else. How guys acclimate to Kerr's system, where else offensive production comes from and the little details defensively is how success will appear in the Bay Area. In the meantime, getting – and staying – healthy is the Warriors' No. 1 priority.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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