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NBA Bombshell: Golden State’s Next Big Signing Could Be a Former #1 Pick

Posted on June 16, 2025 - 2:33 am by

As the NBA offseason heats up, the Golden State Warriors, fresh off a 48-34 season and a second-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, are looking to bolster their roster. With limited cap space, the Warriors must be strategic in targeting cost-effective free agents who can make an impact. One name that stands out is Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, who could be the perfect addition to Golden State’s backcourt.

Fultz, now 27, is coming off a stint with the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 season, where he averaged 2.9 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 41.8% from the field in 21 games. While those numbers may not jump off the page, Fultz’s potential as a playmaker and his proven track record in previous seasons make him an intriguing option for the Warriors.

In the 2023 season with the Orlando Magic, Fultz showcased his ability to contribute significantly, averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an impressive 51.4% from the field and 31.0% from three-point range across 60 games. His ability to run an offense, combined with his defensive tenacity, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Golden State’s second unit, especially when Steph Curry, now 37, needs a breather.

Selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 after a standout freshman season at Washington, Fultz has had a rollercoaster career. Despite early struggles, he made history on April 12, 2018, when The NBA reported: “Markelle Fultz (13 PTS, 10 AST, 10 REB) notches his 1st career triple-double in the @sixers 16th consecutive win, becoming the youngest player in NBA History to record a triple-double! #NBARooks.” While Fultz may not have reached the All-Star heights once expected, his playmaking, ball-handling, and defensive skills suggest he can thrive as a role player in the right system.

For the Warriors, who finished the 2024-25 season as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, adding a player like Fultz on a budget-friendly deal could be a low-risk, high-reward move. His ability to facilitate and create off the bench could complement Golden State’s fast-paced, movement-heavy offense, providing depth and versatility. As free agency unfolds, Fultz could prove to be the Warriors’ next hidden gem, turning a former top pick into a key piece for their championship aspirations.