The Golden State Warriors are back on the hunt.
Following a second-round playoff exit, the front office is reportedly back at work—and two names are already heating up in trade talks.
According to Brett Siegel, the Warriors have discussed both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Herb Jones in recent days. Neither would qualify as a superstar, but both check the boxes Golden State seems to be targeting: perimeter defense, versatility, and playoff poise.
“Have heard Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker talk for Golden State within last couple of days,” Siegel posted. “Warriors certainly looking for upgrades in free agency this week and potentially on trade market, if the price is right.”
Warriors Prioritize Elite Perimeter D
This isn’t just a one-off report—NBCS’s Monte Poole noted the same day that the Warriors are “expected to search for an elite perimeter defender.”
It couldn’t have been more direct: Golden State wants someone who can lock down scorers, allow Stephen Curry to roam off-ball, and pair seamlessly with Draymond Green‘s disrupt-and-recover style.
What Herb Jones & NAW Bring
Jones, a First Team All-Defensive selection in 2024, may be available due to the New Orleans Pelicans‘ roster depth. He played only 20 games last season but still averaged 10.3 points and 1.9 steals per game. His three-point shooting dipped, but a move to Golden State—surrounded by floor spacers like Curry and Buddy Hield—could help unlock more of his offensive game.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker played all 82 games last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 9.4 points on 43.8% shooting (38.1% from three) while serving as a reliable two-way guard. The 6’5″ Canadian is reportedly drawing interest from at least four teams, per Marc Stein, and could command a contract around the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
Some execs view him as a Derrick White-type piece for contenders: plug-and-play defense, low-maintenance offense, and postseason toughness.
Warriors Have Room to Maneuver
The Kevin Durant reunion didn’t happen. But the Jimmy Butler deal did—and it changed everything. Golden State surged from the 11th seed to a second-round playoff run, with Butler injecting the kind of edge and urgency the team had been missing.
Now, the front office still has room to maneuver. If the right price surfaces for either Jones or Alexander-Walker, Golden State could pounce.
With free agency opening June 30 and the roster still in flux, this may only be the beginning.
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