The Golden State Warriors, once perennial contenders in the NBA’s Western Conference, find themselves at a crossroads as the 2025-26 season approaches its midpoint. With a 13-15 record and sitting ninth in the West, the Warriors are grappling with both underwhelming performances and a slew of injury setbacks, most notably at the center position—a spot they hoped would be solidified by veteran Al Horford. Instead, the team is now aggressively shopping for reinforcements, with trade rumors swirling and pressure mounting to right the ship before the February 5 trade deadline.
Golden State’s struggles have been evident on both ends of the floor. Statistically, the Warriors rank 19th in rebounds per game (43.5), 22nd in blocks (4.3), and dead last in points in the paint (41.4). These glaring deficiencies have made it clear: the Warriors desperately need a big man who can anchor the paint, protect the rim, and give their defense a much-needed boost.
Al Horford, the team’s marquee free agent signing this past offseason, was expected to fill that void after Kevon Looney’s departure. Horford inked a two-year, $11.7 million deal on October 1, 2025, bringing championship pedigree and veteran savvy from his days with the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned. Horford, now 39, has battled sciatica and nerve irritation, sidelining him for nine of the last ten games and limiting him to just 13 of the Warriors’ 28 contests this season. He’s averaging 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, shooting just 29.8% from three-point range—a far cry from the production Golden State envisioned.
“I’ll probably be out for another week,” Horford told Nick Friedell of The Athletic, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his return. The Warriors’ patience is wearing thin, and the front office is weighing its options. Due to NBA rules, Horford isn’t eligible to be traded until January 1, 2026, but speculation about his future in San Francisco is already rampant.
In Horford’s absence, second-year center Quinten Post has stepped up admirably, averaging 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. While Post’s contributions have been a bright spot, they haven’t been enough to elevate the Warriors out of their current funk. Draymond Green, the team’s defensive stalwart, has also been tasked with playing center in small-ball lineups—a role he excels at, but one that takes a toll over the course of a grueling NBA season.
“The Warriors, I would say, are buyers in a similar way,” NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on NBA on Prime. “I was told they’re looking for size and athleticism. You look at the Warriors, rebounding and blocked shots, they are in the bottom half of the league. And points in the paint, they are dead last. So they’re looking for an athletic center.”
Haynes went on to name several potential trade targets: Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, and Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers. Each brings a different skill set, but all would address the Warriors’ glaring need for rim protection and interior presence. Gafford, for instance, is averaging 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for Dallas. Claxton, a defensive standout, is putting up 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in Brooklyn, while Williams is known for his elite shot-blocking and rebounding despite being hampered by injuries.
Trade chatter has also centered on Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors’ athletic forward. Due to the timing of his contract, Kuminga can’t be traded until January 15, 2026, but league insiders expect Golden State to aggressively shop him in pursuit of a proven big man. One rumored scenario involves sending Kuminga to the Chicago Bulls for two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging over 15 points per game this season. Such a move would not only bolster the Warriors’ size but also relieve Draymond Green from the nightly grind of guarding opposing centers.
“Landing a player who will help them out going forward is vital, which is why they should be looking at a solid center like Vucevic,” one analyst noted, echoing the urgency felt within the Warriors organization.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ recent on-court results have only intensified the spotlight. On December 20, 2025, Golden State fell to the Phoenix Suns, marking another setback in a season full of them. Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points and three rebounds, while Stephen Curry chipped in with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Yet, the absence of a true interior force was palpable, as the Suns’ frontcourt exploited Golden State’s weaknesses inside.
Injuries have also plagued the Warriors’ backcourt and bench. Seth Curry was ruled out for the December 20 game due to a left glute injury, missing his sixth consecutive contest. The lack of depth has forced younger players like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis into larger roles, but the learning curve has been steep.
For the Suns, the matchup brought its own challenges. Grayson Allen was listed as questionable with right knee soreness, Isaiah Livers was dealing with a hip injury, and Jalen Green remained sidelined with a hamstring strain. Despite these setbacks, Phoenix managed to secure a win, improving their record to 15-12 and leaving the Warriors searching for answers.
As the February 5 trade deadline looms, Golden State’s front office is feeling the heat. Anything short of a championship run would be considered a disappointment for a franchise accustomed to success. The hope is that a bold move—whether it’s acquiring Gafford, Claxton, Williams, or Vucevic—will provide the spark needed to reignite the Warriors’ season and restore their status as contenders.
With trade season heating up and the Warriors’ needs so glaring, all eyes are on the Bay Area. Will Golden State pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal, or will they stand pat and hope for a turnaround from within? One thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining the fate of a team that refuses to settle for mediocrity.
