The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: bolster their roster around their veteran core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson with dependable role players who could seamlessly slot into Steve Kerr’s rotation from day one. However, a series of missteps, culminating polluted their inability to capitalize on the free agency of Amir Coffey and their reluctance to trade young wing Moses Moody, has left the Warriors in a precarious position, potentially squandering a golden opportunity to elevate their championship aspirations.
Amir Coffey, a 28-year-old sharpshooting wing, emerged as an unrestricted free agent after six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Last season, Coffey proved his worth, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc across 72 games. His versatility, defensive tenacity, and reliable outside shooting made him an ideal fit for the Warriors’ fast-paced, motion-heavy system—a system that thrives on players who can space the floor and contribute on both ends.
Yet, despite Coffey’s availability on what was expected to be a veteran minimum contract, the Warriors failed to pursue him aggressively. The Clippers, weighed down by massive financial commitments to Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and now Bradley Beal, were unlikely to re-sign Coffey, leaving the door wide open for Golden State to swoop in. Instead, Coffey landed with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving Warriors fans wondering what could have been.
The Warriors’ hesitation to sign Coffey is inextricably tied to their roster dynamics, particularly their unwavering commitment to Moses Moody. The 23-year-old wing, drafted 14th overall in 2021, showed promise last season, taking a significant step forward in his development. However, questions linger about the consistency of his perimeter shooting—a critical component in Kerr’s system—and his ability to earn a permanent spot in the rotation.
While Moody’s potential is undeniable, his presence on the roster created a logjam that made integrating a player like Coffey problematic. Coffey’s proven production and fit would have provided immediate stability, allowing Kerr to deploy a reliable veteran alongside his stars. Instead, the Warriors’ front office doubled down on Moody, a decision that has proven costly in more ways than one.
The Warriors’ refusal to part with Moody has had ripple effects beyond missing out on Coffey. Golden State has actively explored sign-and-trade scenarios involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, a dynamic forward with All-Star potential. However, their insistence on keeping both Moody and recent acquisition Buddy Hield out of trade discussions has severely limited their ability to match salaries and secure a difference-making return.
For instance, rumors swirled about a potential Kuminga-for-Josh Giddey swap with the Chicago Bulls. While the extent of those talks remains unclear, any deal would have required the inclusion of a significant salary—such as Moody’s or Hield’s—to make the financials work. By refusing to budge on Moody, the Warriors likely torpedoed their chances of landing a transformative player like Giddey, who could have added playmaking and versatility to their lineup.
The Warriors’ loyalty to Moody, while admirable, has come at a steep price. Not only did they miss out on a cost-effective free agent in Coffey, who could have been a plug-and-play solution, but they also hamstrung their ability to execute a blockbuster trade that could have reshaped their roster. Moody’s development, while promising, remains a gamble. His inconsistent three-point shooting and limited defensive impact raise doubts about whether he can become the reliable contributor Golden State needs to maximize their championship window.