Golden State Warriors DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski and center Kevon Looney will move into the starting five ahead of Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Head coach Steve Kerr is experimenting with his lineups which is never a bad idea during the preseason. He'll replace De'Anthony Melton and Trayce Jackson-Davis with Podziemski and Looney on Wednesday. It doesn't seem that Kerr has decided on a starting unit yet. However, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are locks and Jonathan Kuminga seems to have earned his spot as well. Podziemski posted promising numbers last season and figures to have a significant role whether it's starting or off the bench. The 21-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga said on Monday that he was hopeful an extension with the Warriors could get completed prior to the October 21st deadline. He went on to state, "I'm not really concerned about it. If I get it, if I don't, it's cool." Kuminga excelled in his 46 games as a starter last season, posting up 17.2 PPG and 5.2 RPG in starts. With Klay Thompson headed off to Dallas, Kuminga's role will be less threatened and his production levels should increase. The 21-year-old won't be the recipient of the additional threes Thompson provided Golden State, but he'll continue to be a solid rebounder and a great contributor at the rim. With a big season on board, Warriors fans and fantasy managers alike will be eager to see what he does in an elevated role throughout a full season. Those looking to draft Kuminga should be able to find him around the #100 pick in their upcoming draft.

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II expressed optimism about his health during Warriors Media Day. Before taking any questions, the 31-year-old stated, "Yes. I plan on being available this year. I feel good, healthy. Body's feeling great." Payton II appeared in 44 games last season and just 22 contests during the 2022-2023 season. Staying healthy has been a challenge for the defensive specialist, but when on the court, Golden State values his toughness and defensive prowess. He will provide depth at guard, coming off the bench for the team.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors and guard Moses Moody aren't close to agreeing on a contract extension. Like Jonathan Kuminga, an agreement on a new deal must be finalized by October 21. If talks aren't successful by then, Moody will hit restricted free agency next offseason. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 66 games last season. However, Moody will have a difficult time improving those numbers during the 2024-25 campaign, considering the Warriors have Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster. The team also added Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson this offseason.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, "significant progress" in contract talks between the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga has not been made. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick is entering the final season of his rookie contract. While the Warriors dismissed trade inquiries this offseason from other teams, it doesn't appear both sides are close to securing an extension. Kuminga finished last season by averaging a career-high 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. However, with Klay Thompson now in Dallas, the expectations are higher for the 21-year-old. His shooting percentage from deep needs to improve. But Kuminga will be a consistent member of the Warriors' rotation in 2024-25, giving him value in all fantasy setups. Both sides have until October 21 to agree on a new deal. If it isn't finalized by then, Kuminga will be a restricted free agent next summer.