Warriors Starting Lineup in Flux: Three Spots Wide Open as New Era Begins

With Klay Thompson no longer part of the equation, the Golden State Warriors are entering a period of transition, building their lineups and rotations around cornerstone veterans Steph Curry and Draymond Green. However, beyond these two stalwarts, the rest of the Warriors’ starting lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season remains uncertain, with three spots reportedly “wide open” as the team heads into training camp, according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.

This leaves an opportunity for young talents, particularly 2021 lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, to step up and secure more prominent roles. Both players are now eligible for rookie contract extensions, making this a pivotal season in their development. Additionally, second-year players Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis are expected to remain with the team after being the subject of offseason trade rumors, further intensifying the competition for starting roles.

Despite the opportunities, nothing is guaranteed. A source told Andrews that every player on the roster will have to earn their place in the starting five alongside Curry and Green. The Warriors have also made key offseason acquisitions, including De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson, adding further depth and competition to the roster.

As Kuminga and Moody enter their fourth NBA season, the potential for long-term extensions looms. Kuminga is eligible for a lucrative five-year extension worth up to $224 million, while Moody could see a deal ranging between $11-13 million per season. Although contract extension talks haven’t been a primary focus yet, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy indicated that discussions will ramp up soon, expressing confidence in the young duo.

“We want those guys here,” Dunleavy stated. “We believe in them, we drafted them.”

As the Warriors embark on a new chapter, the onus is on Kuminga and Moody to demonstrate their readiness to contribute at the highest level and solidify their place in the starting lineup, marking the beginning of a new era in Warriors basketball.