The Golden State Warriors are zeroing in on their future, and it’s not just about who might replace Klay Thompson. After hosting projected lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg for a workout this past week, the team is expected to bring in Arizona guard Brayden Burries and Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. sometime next week, according to league sources.
With the 11th overall pick in hand, Golden State faces a delicate balancing act: finding a player who can contribute immediately alongside Stephen Curry while also carrying the franchise into the post-Curry era. And while splashy trade rumors have quieted in recent weeks, general manager Mike Dunleavy insists the front office is keeping every option open.
The Prospects on the Radar
Burries, a 6-foot-4 guard with a two-inch wingspan advantage, averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists at Arizona, shooting nearly 40% from three. He’s the kind of two-way guard who can create his own shot and lock down opponents at the point of attack — exactly the type of versatile backcourt piece the Warriors need to complement Curry.
Johnson, meanwhile, is a different kind of weapon. Standing 6-foot-9 and 251 pounds, the Michigan forward averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting over 62% from the field for the national champion Wolverines. His 7-foot-3 wingspan makes him a disruptive defender who can switch onto guards or bigs, and offensively he’s a relentless rim runner who thrives in transition and pick-and-roll situations.
Both players represent the kind of young, athletic infusion the Warriors have been lacking.
A Shift in Philosophy
There’s a growing sense inside the organization that the Warriors can’t afford to stay the course with an aging roster. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged as much after signing his contract extension, pointing to last season’s load management issues as a barrier to building any real continuity.
“I do think it’s important that we don’t have the vast number of players who couldn’t play back-to-back,” Kerr said. “We can’t do that again. It’s too hard to build continuity. We need some younger legs for sure. We know that.”
But it’s not just about adding young talent — it’s about committing to develop it. For years, the franchise has struggled with the tension between winning now and grooming the next generation. The Jonathan Kuminga saga was the most visible example, with Kerr, Dunleavy, and owner Joe Lacob pulling in different directions.
That appears to be changing. After extensive conversations during Kerr’s coaching uncertainty, the decision-makers are now aligned on a shared vision: invest in young players and give them real minutes.
Real Playing Time for the Rookie
Kerr made clear that whoever the Warriors draft won’t be sitting on the bench.
“You look at our depth on the wings, that [rookie] has to play,” Kerr said. “He’s got to earn it, but we’re committed to absolutely, you know, the development of our young players and trying to do this thing in a way that allows for success down the road. Down the road, meaning the end of next season and beyond.”
He added: “One of the things I feel really strongly about is: I want to lay a stronger foundation for next season that will carry forward for years to come, beyond when I’m here. I think that’s important to the franchise. I know it’s important to Steph and Draymond, and frankly, this year I think we got a little away from that.”
Whether the Warriors land Burries, Johnson, or Lendeborg after their upcoming workouts, the message is clear: Golden State is serious about building for the long haul — and the rookie will have a chance to prove it on the court.
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