The Golden State Warriors entered this offseason with a clear and urgent mandate: get younger, get healthier, and get more durable. After a disappointing 37-45 season that ended in the Play-In Tournament, the franchise’s need for a philosophical reset became impossible to ignore. Head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy have been transparent about their intentions, but the latest reporting suggests their plans may diverge from recent public comments.
According to respected reporter Tim Kawakami, the Warriors are unlikely to bring back both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford this offseason, despite earlier indications from the organization that they hoped to retain the two veteran big men.
Porzingis’ Future in Doubt
Porzingis represented one of the more intriguing additions for Golden State at the February trade deadline. The 7’2” Latvian big man was acquired to provide Stephen Curry with a legitimate frontcourt partner capable of stretching the floor and anchoring the defense. When healthy, Porzingis delivered glimpses of exactly that vision, showcasing two-way versatility that is rare at his position.
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However, availability proved to be a persistent problem. The veteran appeared in just 15 games for the Warriors, hampered by illness and recurring lower-body injuries. That pattern of unavailability appears to have heavily influenced the organization’s current thinking as they prioritize youth and athleticism across the roster.
Horford’s Veteran Leadership No Longer Fits
Al Horford’s situation differs slightly but leads to a similar outcome. The 19-year veteran, who will turn 40 before next season begins, holds a player option worth just under $6 million. Kerr spoke warmly about Horford after the season, praising his size, shooting, and leadership — qualities the team had sorely lacked. Yet, as Golden State shifts toward a younger roster identity, Horford’s age profile may no longer align with the direction the franchise is heading.
More Departures on the Horizon
Porzingis and Horford are not the only familiar faces expected to depart. Kawakami’s reporting also indicates that the Warriors are not expected to bring back guard Seth Curry next season. Despite the emotional storyline of the Curry brothers playing together, Seth appeared in only 10 games due to severe sciatica issues, logging just 133 minutes. The basketball fit never fully materialized.
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Additionally, De’Anthony Melton is unlikely to return if he declines his player option, as Golden State is not inclined to bid aggressively. His injury history has given the organization pause, even though he provided a strong stylistic fit when healthy.
A New Direction for Golden State
The timing of these decisions is notable. Both Porzingis and Horford made genuine contributions when available, and any potential departures would not reflect dissatisfaction with their on-court impact. Instead, they represent a calculated strategic shift. The Warriors are actively shedding age and injury risk to create flexibility for younger contributors.
This reset leaves the core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green intact, with the organization also hoping to integrate Jimmy Butler once he recovers from his ACL injury. Whether that flexibility results in a major trade, impactful free agency signing, or a draft-focused approach remains to be seen.
As the offseason intensifies, one thing has become clear: the Warriors are not content to run it back with the same group and hope for improved injury luck. The roster is poised to look significantly different next season as Golden State builds toward a new competitive identity.
The coming weeks will provide further clarity on how this philosophical reset translates into tangible roster changes. For a franchise with championship pedigree but recent struggles, this summer represents a pivotal turning point.