The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads. After their 2022 NBA championship triumph, the team has struggled to maintain its dominance, grappling with injuries, aging stars, and a roster that hasn’t quite gelled. The 2025-26 season looms as a critical juncture for the Warriors, who are desperate to make one more deep playoff run with their core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. But to reclaim their spot atop the Western Conference, Golden State must address a glaring hole in their lineup: a dominant, versatile big man. Enter Jarrett Allen—the All-Star center who could be the key to unlocking the Warriors’ full potential.
Since their 2022 title, the Warriors have been on a frustrating downward trajectory. Injuries have plagued their stars, and the aging process has taken its toll on a roster once feared across the league. While Curry remains a transcendent force and Green continues to anchor the defense with his tenacity and basketball IQ, the team has lacked the interior presence needed to compete with the West’s elite bigs like Nikola Jokić, Anthony Davis, and Rudy Gobert.
The Warriors’ frontcourt deficiencies were exposed time and again in recent seasons, with opponents exploiting their lack of size and rim protection. To make matters worse, the team has been bogged down this offseason by contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose future with the team remains uncertain. While Kuminga’s athleticism and potential are undeniable, his fit alongside Green and the Warriors’ small-ball style has been a question mark.
With a potential two-year, $45 million deal for Kuminga on the horizon, the Warriors are at a pivotal moment. They can either double down on their current core or make a bold move to address their most pressing need. According to Warriors on SI’s Liam Willerup, the answer lies in targeting Cleveland Cavaliers’ star center Jarrett Allen—a move that could transform Golden State into a legitimate contender once again.
Jarrett Allen isn’t just a luxury for the Warriors; he’s a necessity. The 27-year-old All-Star has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier two-way big men, combining elite rim protection with efficient scoring and rebounding. His skill set aligns seamlessly with Golden State’s needs, offering a solution to their frontcourt woes while complementing the team’s existing stars.
Defensively, Allen is a game-changer. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’6” wingspan, he’s a dominant force at the rim, averaging 1.2 blocks and 10.5 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. Pairing him with Draymond Green, one of the league’s best defensive playmakers, would create a frontcourt duo capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Green’s versatility and ability to guard multiple positions would allow Allen to anchor the paint, while Allen’s presence would free Green to roam and disrupt passing lanes—unleashing the Defensive Player of the Year at his most dangerous.
Offensively, Allen’s game is tailor-made for the Warriors’ system. A master of the pick-and-roll, he thrives as a lob threat and finisher around the rim, shooting an impressive 67.7% from the field last season. His ability to set screens and roll to the basket would create endless opportunities for Curry and Thompson to exploit defenses with their shooting. Unlike some traditional bigs, Allen is nimble enough to keep up with Golden State’s fast-paced, motion-heavy offense, ensuring he wouldn’t clog the system.
Rumors have swirled that the Cleveland Cavaliers are open to moving Allen, especially as they prioritize building around their young core of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. For the Warriors, this presents a golden opportunity. A trade centered around Jonathan Kuminga, whose athleticism and upside would appeal to Cleveland, could be enough to pry Allen away. While losing Kuminga would sting, the Warriors must weigh the cost against the potential reward: a proven All-Star who fills their biggest need and elevates their championship ceiling.
The Warriors have also been linked to veteran big man Al Horford this offseason, but at 39 years old, Horford is better suited as a depth piece than a game-changing starter. Allen, on the other hand, is in the prime of his career and offers long-term stability alongside Curry and Green. His addition would not only address immediate concerns but also position Golden State for sustained success.
The Warriors’ championship window is narrowing, and the 2025-26 season may be their last chance to capitalize on the prime years of their core. With Curry still performing at an MVP level and Green’s defensive brilliance showing no signs of fading, the time to act is now. Jarrett Allen represents more than just a roster upgrade—he’s the missing piece that could propel Golden State back to the top of the West.
The Warriors have never shied away from bold moves, from signing Kevin Durant in 2016 to trading for Andrew Wiggins in 2020. Acquiring Allen would be another defining moment in their storied franchise, one that could unleash Draymond Green’s full defensive potential and give Stephen Curry the support he needs to chase another ring. For Golden State, this isn’t just a want—it’s a need. The time to strike is now.