Former NBA head coach PJ Carlesimo expects Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to make a significant move during the 2026-27 season as the franchise continues trying to maximize its championship window around Stephen Curry.
Carlesimo made the prediction during a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of NEXTPredict, arguing that Golden State remains within striking distance of contention when healthy. However, he believes Dunleavy could eventually look outside the current roster for another piece to strengthen the Warriors.
“If they are healthy, they’re good right now, and they are always a player away. By the middle of the year Mike will figure something out. I’m not good with money, cap, sh– like that, but if they have the wherewithal to do something, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Golden State does something (major) and they’re in the mix.”
The prediction comes after Golden State explored ways to make a splash during the offseason. The Warriors were linked to Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis in trade rumors as part of a potential effort to entice LeBron James to join Curry in Golden State. Washington never entertained the possibility of moving Davis, while James ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Carlesimo's trade prediction follows his comments earlier in the interview about Golden State's shrinking championship window.
PJ Carlesimo believes Warriors remain close to title contention with potential trade
Despite Curry being in the later stages of his career and the Warriors relying heavily on veterans such as Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III, Carlesimo pushed back against the idea that Golden State is approaching its final opportunity to contend.
Article Continues Below“I hate to say this is the last big push, because you can make some deals and change some people. Had they gotten LeBron everyone would have been talking completely differently. When Jimmy gets healthy, when their guys are healthy including Steph and Draymond, it’s still a very good team. A lot of people keep saying, well, the time’s running out. What are they going to do?”
Carlesimo also remains confident in Curry's ability to perform at an elite level despite his age.
“Steph hasn’t lost anything. I don’t want to say Draymond’s lost anything, but OK, you’ve got a couple guys that are veterans. Jimmy, when he’s healthy, is still one of the best players in the league. Steph is one of the best players ever. I don’t think they are as far away (as people think).”
Those comments help explain why Carlesimo believes another move from Dunleavy could significantly change Golden State's outlook.
The Warriors' challenge is balancing their urgency to contend with Curry against the realities of an aging core and the financial restrictions involved in reshaping the roster. Golden State already explored a major swing with its reported Davis interest, suggesting the front office has considered aggressive avenues to add another star.
Carlesimo expects that approach to continue into the season. If Golden State remains competitive and has an avenue to improve its roster, he believes Dunleavy could make another significant push before the trade deadline to give Curry and the Warriors another chance at a championship.