In today’s Dub Hub:
- Warriors will officially pick 11th in the draft after the results of Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery.
- Steve Kerr agrees to return to the Warriors on a two-year deal, according to ESPN.
- Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama gets ejected after receiving a flagrant-2 in Game 4 loss vs. Timberwolves.
The Golden State Warriors came into Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery hoping for a little luck, but ultimately stayed put at No. 11 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Despite entering the night with roughly a 10% chance of jumping into the top four, Golden State was unable to move up in the lottery order, keeping the franchise right outside the top 10 in what is viewed as one of the strongest draft classes in recent years.
With the draft order now
officially set, several early mock drafts have already started projecting who the Warriors could target later this summer. Here’s a quick roundup of where analysts currently have Golden State going at No. 11:
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers, SF/PF:
The Warriors had long odds and no luck in their first draft lottery since 2021. They have an important decision to make with this pick, as they weigh the long-term health of the roster versus maximizing the team’s competitive chances with Stephen Curry still playing at a high level. Coach Steve Kerr agreed to an extension Saturday and presumably didn’t sign on for a rebuild. Selecting a younger player such as Lopez, who has the experience to potentially slot in early on his rookie deal, might help mesh the short- and long-term goals. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) is another player who will draw strong consideration here.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie: Aday Mara, Michigan, C:
Mara, by far, helped himself the most in the NCAA Tournament. I had a vote for Final Four Most Outstanding Player and chose Mara because of how he dominated the semifinal against Arizona (going off for 26 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks) and how he completely changed the geometry defensively against Connecticut with his ability to guard Tarris Reed Jr. on an island while also shutting down the interior for drivers.
SB Nation’s Ricky O’ Donnell: Aday Mara, Michigan, C
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’ Connor: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breaks, SF/PF
Tankathon: Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama, G
The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann: Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama, G:
Sticking with my Philon-to–the Bay prognostication from my first mock a month ago because it feels like a perfect combination of ready-now intangibles and long-term possibilities. His toughness and savvy would allow him to blend in with the absurd amount of experience on this team, and even though he feels like less of a star bet than some of the other highly regarded guards in the class, I don’t expect him to stagnate after getting to the league.
The Warriors could still explore trade possibilities involving the pick depending on how aggressive the front office wants to be in maximizing the final years of Stephen Curry’s championship window. Still, holding the No. 11 selection gives Golden State an important asset in a deep draft class loaded with talent.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23 and 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, May 11th:
Warriors News:
Steve Kerr returning as Warriors coach: Why? What’s next? | ESPN
This should also make extension conversations with Curry simpler later in the summer. The franchise icon has long expressed a desire to remain with the Warriors the entirety of his career. He can add either one or two seasons to his current deal, which has one season remaining, when he becomes extension-eligible in August. Having Kerr locked in should ease Curry’s concern of a franchise in complete transition, even if the championship ceiling is no longer there.
Why Warriors can feel optimistic despite lack of 2026 NBA draft lottery luck | NBC Sports Bay Area
Yet there are reasons for the Warriors to be optimistic in advance of the June 23 draft. For one, the last time Golden State held the 11th pick, in 2011, it came away with a Washington State guard named Klay Thompson. He became a five-time NBA All-Star and an essential member of four championship teams.
Thompson was by far the best No. 11 pick in franchise history, with a career that laps previous selections Andris Biedrins (2004), Mickael Pietrus (2003), Todd Fuller (1996) and Tyrone Hill (1990).
Draymond Green participates in Netflix’s Roast of Kevin Hart
NBA News:
Sources: Bucks seeking trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo | ESPN
Rival executives believe that Antetokounmpo’s desired teams will be the largest factor in his trade destination. He is essentially on an expiring contract, with next season guaranteed in his deal before a player option in 2027, providing him leverage to navigate to a specific team based on whether he would agree to stay long term given the players and picks needed to acquire him. He becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension Oct. 1 if he is not traded, or six months after being traded if he’s with a new team.
“The conversation will be simple: Where does [Giannis] want to be moved, and where will he sign long term?” one source with direct involvement in the situation told ESPN.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ejected after committing a flagrant-2 vs. Timberwolves
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
Steve Kerr returns to the Warriors on a 2-year deal
While reports of the deal have not been revealed, ESPN reports that Kerr will retain his title as the highest-paid coach in the NBA. Last year, Kerr made $17.5 million, while the next-highest salary was $15 million, given both to the LA Clippers’ Ty Lue and the Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra.
Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
