New Orleans enters 2025-26 with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones healthy and ready to anchor a potent Pelicans core. The addition of Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey adds burst and shooting, while Kevon Looney brings in-the-paint defense and rebounding. Draft picks Yves Missi and Derik Queen offer upside, and Jose Alvarado provides energy off the bench. If the health trend holds, New Orleans can again contend for a playoff spot in a deep West.

But health remains the variable. An Opening Night absence for Dejounte Murray and a tough early schedule could delay chemistry-building and push the team into a rugged early patch. If the roster stays cohesive and Poole/Bey translate into efficient offense, the Pelicans could reclaim momentum in November and push for a late-season run, despite the absence of a 2026 first-round pick complicating long-term assets.

Golden State sits tight this offseason as Kuminga’s restricted free agency blocks any real roster upgrades, and Kevon Looney departs for New Orleans, thinning the frontcourt. The wait on Kuminga’s decision — re-sign or explore a sign-and-trade — could echo into training camp and beyond, shaping immediate fantasy value around Curry, Butler and Green.

If Kuminga stays, the Warriors must squeeze more out of a limited offseason, potentially capping upside for the supporting cast. If Kuminga leaves, expect a rotation pivot toward younger wings and depth pieces, with Curry and Green shouldering more responsibility and the door opening for others like Moody or splashes in signings. Either way, Kuminga’s fate is the hinge that could redefine Warriors’ fantasy outlook next season.

Golden State is treading water in free agency as the Kuminga contract standoff dampens the market. Kuminga envisions roughly 30 million per season, while Golden State has dangled a two-year, 45 million offer with a sign-and-trade path that could unlock flexibility down the line. The wait comes as Kevon Looney signs with the New Orleans Pelicans, thinning the Warriors’ interior and pressuring the frontcourt rotation.

The stalemate also drags Al Horford into the mix. ESPN's sources describe a real possibility that Horford retires if the holdout continues, even as the Celtics show no current plan to bring him back. Horford’s veteran leadership figures into Golden State’s calculus, but at 39, the Warriors may yet pivot to younger players rather than a stopgap signing.

With the veteran logjam and Kuminga’s pay-demand, Golden State’s path to a more dynamic roster remains uncertain. The drama underscores how a single negotiation can ripple across the league, shaping not just the Warriors’ floor but fantasy projections for Kuminga, Looney’s successor, and any veteran addition the Warriors might pursue.

The Golden State Warriors have had a notably quiet summer, with no significant free agent signings or draft picks to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. The most notable departure has been reserve center Kevon Looney, who signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the team is focused on negotiating a new contract for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, who has expressed frustration over his inconsistent role. The Warriors' salary commitments to superstars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green constrain their ability to make major additions.

Rumors suggest that the Warriors might be in pursuit of former All-Star Al Horford, who could bring a more traditional size to the center position, potentially replacing Draymond Green in the starting lineup. Kuminga remains a valuable trade asset, but complications arise due to salary cap constraints, particularly regarding potential sign-and-trade scenarios with teams like the Phoenix Suns. As the Warriors navigate these challenges, their capacity to add talent while managing their existing contracts will be crucial for the upcoming season.

Kevon Looney, a pivotal figure in the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, has officially signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year, $16 million deal. This move marks a significant departure from the Warriors after a decade-long journey that included three championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. In a heartfelt farewell, Looney reminisced about the brotherly bond formed with Curry and Green, emphasizing their guidance throughout his career.

During his tenure with Golden State, Looney established himself as a reliable center, particularly during the Warriors' championship run in 2021-22. He played all 164 possible games over the last two seasons, showcasing his durability and consistent performance. Despite facing challenges of being undersized, Looney’s ability to contribute significantly on the boards and as a defensive asset won him a critical role in the team. With his move to the Pelicans, he now seeks to replicate that success in a new environment.