Why Rivals Think the Warriors Are Drafting for Now—Not Later—Alongside Curry

The Golden State Warriors hold the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the rumor mill is already churning. But according to league insiders, rival front offices have a clear read on what the franchise is thinking—and it has everything to do with Stephen Curry’s window.

With the 38-year-old guard still chasing another ring, the Warriors are reportedly prioritizing a prospect who can contribute immediately, rather than a raw project. That’s the signal rival teams are picking up, as noted by ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo in his latest mock draft.

Best player available—with a twist

Woo writes that rival executives believe Golden State will take a “best-available positional approach” but with a focus on adding someone who can slide into the rotation next season. In his mock, Woo projects the Warriors to select Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 11. The 7-foot-3 big man showed clear development as a freshman, and his combination of size, passing touch, and coordination has scouts buzzing.

“Mara is expected to be the first center off the board and appears slated for the 8-to-12 range,” Woo says in the report. There’s significant interest in Mara from multiple teams—including Atlanta, Dallas, and Oklahoma City—and he could even become a trade-up target.

“He’s been a steady riser with an outlier-level mix of size, coordination, and skill as a true 7-footer,” Woo adds. “His sheer size and ability to manipulate defenses with the pass make him fascinating to many teams.”

Other names in the mix

Mara may be the most pro-ready center in this draft class, but he’s not the only name linked to the Warriors. ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel has Golden State taking Baylor guard Cameron Carr in his 2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.0. The team hasn’t tipped its hand publicly, but the logic is consistent: find a player who can help right away.

That’s the calculus for a franchise that’s still competing for titles but also navigating the final stretch of Curry’s prime. The Warriors haven’t confirmed any specific draft strategy, but rivals are already reading the tea leaves.