It'd be difficult to argue the Warriors deserved to find themselves in the playoffs. The team won just 37 games, dealt with a plethora of injuries and made big in-season trades … but did not look like a genuine threat at any stage of the season. While the Warriors momentarily turned back the clock against the Los Angeles Clippers in their first play-in game, it also very much felt like their last gasp of the season.

The days of the Warriors consistently outperforming their roster capabilities seem to be over, once and for all. Stephen Curry turned 38 in March, and while he's the player most capable of turning back the clock, that simply can't be said of Draymond Green, whose value we only see once or twice a week, if we're lucky. (His childish behavior at the end of the loss to the Phoenix Suns in their final play-in game is yet another reminder of how the aging Green — now 36 — is a depressing reminder that he's become more name than game, and his relevance is increasingly being reduced to his antics, as opposed to his relentless defensive qualities, which made him an all-time great.) Now, the Warriors look ahead, but to what?

Stephen Curry walks off the court after being eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament on April 17, 2026, in Phoenix.Christian Petersen via Getty Images2025-26 finishRecord: 37-45, 10th in the Western Conference. Eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament. Highlight of the seasonThe Warriors finally ended years of self-imposed drama by trading Jonathan Kuminga in a deal for Kristaps Porziņģis, a 7-3 rim-protector who can join in on Golden State's 3-point fun.

While his future with the club is in question, they did finally move past a situation with Kuminga that had grown enormously contentious. Players signed for next seasonStephen Curry Jimmy ButlerMoses MoodyBrandin PodziemskiGui Santos Will RichardKey free agentsKristaps Porziņģis (UFA) Draymond Green (Player option) Al Horford (Player option)De'Anthony Melton (Player option) Projected salary$144,379,937Projected draft picksNos. 11 & 54Draft focus: Unless they decide to pivot even more into veteran presence, the Warriors are in dire need of youth and upside at every position, making their case clear.

They have to go for best player available, regardless of roster configuration. Roster-building toolsThe above salary number is tricky, as Green is likely to pick up his option worth over $27.6 million. Additionally, Porziņģis is also looking for a new deal, which is likely going to cost the Warriors more than $20 million annually.

That's adding almost $50 million to that cap figure before taking into account the rest of the roster with options, as well as any roster charges. Don't expect the Warriors to have many options in terms of exceptions or a willingness to spend, unless they ship out money first. Needs and goalsWhat the Warriors think they need probably differs from what so many other people think.

They want to give Curry one more crack at a title, which is endearing, yet not particularly realistic, given their financial structure, age and inability to hit home runs in the draft. As such, it's time to lay the groundwork for a new era — with everything that entails.