The Golden State Warriors have taken an unexpectedly quiet approach to the 2025 NBA offseason, standing alone as the only team yet to make a roster addition through trades or free agent signings. While the league has been buzzing with blockbuster deals and high-profile acquisitions, the Warriors have chosen a different path, opting to hold their ground and protect their core. At the heart of their cautious strategy lies a complex situation with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward with immense potential, and their unwavering commitment to two key players: Buddy Hield and Moses Moody.
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The Warriors’ offseason inertia can be traced back to their ongoing negotiations with Kuminga, who remains without a new contract. Golden State explored sign-and-trade options to resolve the situation, with the Sacramento Kings reportedly presenting the most enticing offer: standout scorer Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick. On the surface, this deal seemed like a potential win for the Warriors, swapping a disgruntled young talent for a proven scoring guard. However, the financial logistics of such a trade would require Golden State to part with either Hield or Moody—an option they’ve firmly rejected.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer on The Stein Line, the Warriors have shut down any trade discussions involving Hield or Moody. Fischer noted, “Sources tell The Stein Line that Golden State has refused this summer to even entertain sign-and-trade scenarios that would require it to surrender either Buddy Hield or Moses Moody because of the limited options currently on the roster in terms of proven shooters not named Curry.” This stance underscores the critical role these two players have in the Warriors’ plans, particularly in a post-Klay Thompson era where three-point shooting depth is at a premium.
While the Warriors boast the greatest shooter in NBA history in Stephen Curry, their supporting cast of reliable marksmen has thinned since Thompson’s departure in free agency last offseason. Hield and Moody have emerged as indispensable pieces in filling that void, each bringing a unique dimension to Golden State’s offense.
Buddy Hield, in particular, has proven his worth as a lethal long-range threat. During the 2024 playoffs, Hield showcased his sharpshooting prowess, averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 42.9% from three on 6.4 attempts per contest across 12 postseason games. His defining moment came in Game 7 of the Warriors’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets, where he erupted for 33 points, including a scorching 9-of-11 performance from beyond the arc. That unforgettable performance not only propelled Golden State to the second round but also cemented Hield’s value as a clutch performer. If the Warriors can harness that version of Hield for an entire season, they could solidify their status as a top-tier contender in the Western Conference.
Moses Moody, while less heralded, is equally vital to the Warriors’ long-term vision. The young guard has shown flashes of brilliance as a shooter and versatile defender, making him a valuable asset in Steve Kerr’s system. With Thompson gone, Moody’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends makes him a cornerstone of Golden State’s future.
On paper, trading Moody or Hield for a player like Monk might seem like a reasonable move, but the Warriors’ front office sees a bigger picture. Losing either player would deplete their already limited pool of reliable shooters, a risk they’re unwilling to take. While Kuminga’s situation remains unresolved, Golden State’s refusal to budge on Hield and Moody signals their confidence in the current roster’s potential to compete at the highest level.
This isn’t to say the Warriors should completely close the door on trade discussions. If the right offer comes along—one that addresses their needs without sacrificing their shooting depth—they’d be wise to consider it. For now, though, the front office’s decision to stand firm reflects a clear strategy: protect the core, preserve the shooting, and build around Curry’s unparalleled brilliance.
As the 2025 season looms, the Warriors’ quiet offseason may prove to be a calculated gamble. By holding onto Hield and Moody, they’re banking on their ability to elevate the team’s ceiling while maintaining flexibility for the future. Kuminga’s situation remains a question mark, but Golden State’s resolute stance sends a message to the league: they’re not desperate, and they’re not willing to compromise their vision.