Examining Warriors' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2025 NBA Free Agency After Playoff Loss
After a second-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors are entering a critical offseason.
Yes, the dynasty is over. We've known that. Any roster led by a thriving Stephen Curry, however, is going to have the foundation of a championship contender. The challenge is building up the team around him.
Can the Warriors do that again?
While a midseason trade for Jimmy Butler has locked in Curry's sidekick for next season, the rest of the rotation may undergo a facelift this summer. The squad was clearly unable to pick up the slack once Curry suffered a hamstring injury in the playoffs, so it seems more secondary options will be needed to help get over the top once again.
Salary Cap
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Given that Curry and Butler are both due at least $54 million, the Warriors are certain to surpass the projected $154.6 million salary cap.
The only question is which tax level Golden State stays under.
Realistically, the Dubs are probably going to fly past the luxury tax ($187.9 million). The likelier targets in play—especially given the franchise's history—are the first ($195.9 million) or second ($207.8 million) apron.
The summary? Golden State has minimal flexibility to piece together an uncertain roster, but there's no question it will maximize the budget.
Top Contract Decisions
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First, the easy stuff.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos and Quentin Post are subject to team options, and it would be surprising if the Warriors decline any of them. They're all young, cost-effective players who, at worst, are useful depth.
Whether they are long-term pieces is fair to ask—TJD, for example, went from a regular starter to a seldom-used reserve—but they should be back.
The more complicated one is Jonathan Kuminga.
As he enters restricted free agency, Golden State needs to determine how much of a contract they are willing to offer—and match. There's a real possibility the Warriors end up orchestrating a sign-and-trade to avoid losing him for nothing.
Free Agents to Pursue
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Assuming the Warriors keep TJD, Santos and Post, the roster will stand at nine players. Add in a second-round selection, and that leaves five spots—first contingent on whether Kuminga is kept or traded.
Two more contracts may be spoken for internally.
Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney made at least $8 million each in 2024-25. Though they'd be tough to bring back at a similar rate, both are sensible to keep if they're amenable to a lower number.
Because of the Dubs' cap outlook, they're not able to make a splashy move in the market that doesn't involve a sign-and-trade.
As for smaller-dollar possibilities, seeing if Tyus Jones or Gary Trent Jr. would sign another team-friendly deal—as they did last offseason—is a must. They could be impactful options on the perimeter.
G League guard Braxton Key should be considered for an NBA contract, as well.
