The Golden State Warriors may have to remain patient before making another major roster move after failing to land several prominent targets around the 2026 trade deadline and during the offseason.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. indicated that Golden State could once again use the middle of the season to reshape its roster.
“We have multiple ways to get better during the season, which is something we’ve done the last few years,” Dunleavy said.
“Whether it’s adding [Jimmy] Butler, adding [Kristaps] Porzingis, you can go as far back as adding Andrew Wiggins. I’d say we’re pretty good about improving our team in the middle of the year.”
For now, the Warriors are focused on remaining competitive while waiting for injured players to return.
Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are expected to miss considerable time, making their eventual recoveries an important part of Golden State’s outlook.
Dunleavy also pushed back against the idea that the Warriors are simply bringing back the same group that won 37 games last season, pointing to Porzingis as a significant addition.
“If people see us as running back a 37-win team, I would say we’ve added to that team from the way it started last year with a player like Porzingis,” Dunleavy said.
“And then most importantly, we get into the season and we see how our guys come back from injuries like Moses and Jimmy.”
If Golden State can stay within playoff contention while Butler and Moody recover, the front office could have another opportunity to strengthen the roster closer to the 2027 trade deadline.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. believes the Warriors still have ways to improve the roster in-season. Story: https://t.co/3nKL1EH6ct
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) August 20, 2026
