The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crossroads after another disappointing playoff exit. Since their 2022 championship run, they’ve watched their championship window narrow while struggling to find the right pieces around Stephen Curry.
With Jimmy Butler III’s arrival making an immediate impact and the team posting a 12-2 record right after his signing, the Warriors showed glimpses of their championship potential. However, their weaknesses were brutally exposed against the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting one glaring roster flaw that continues to haunt them.
Why Are the Warriors Still Searching for Their Missing Center?
The Golden State Warriors have been struggling over the last few years. Since winning the NBA championship in 2022, the Dubs have not gone past the Western Conference Semifinals. They even missed the playoffs entirely in 2024.
Steve Kerr has been finding it hard to find Stephen Curry some help. Jordan Poole was let go first, then Klay Thompson, who was traded to Dallas. Curry’s ‘Splash Brother’ endured a harsh downfall in the Bay before moving on.
However, Jimmy Butler III had a massive impact on the team. Right after Butler’s arrival, the Warriors went 12-2.
JIMMY, GOLDEN STATE WIN 8 OF 9 🔥
24 PTS | 8 REB | 10 AST
The @warriors are 15-2 with Butler III on the court! pic.twitter.com/3AYXd0WL0s
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2025
They couldn’t get past the Minnesota Timberwolves this year, when their weaknesses were left exposed. One of the main problems for the Warriors is that they lack a big presence in the paint, a center. Draymond Green has been filling in at that spot, but it’s no secret that his primary position is at power forward.
The Warriors are yet to sign a single player this offseason, and Jonathan Kuminga is the main reason for that. The Warriors have not agreed with the player, which is holding them back from other signings. However, there is a center option that may be suitable for them.
Could Joel Embiid Be the Answer to Golden State’s Championship Dreams?
Sports Illustrated‘s Dave Holcomb recently floated Joel Embiid as a potential center target for the Warriors. He had also included a way out for Kuminga, whose time in San Francisco is now over.
“Embiid would start to decline around the same time Golden State is going to have to begin rebuilding anyway. So, they probably don’t mind Embiid’s age as much as other teams might. The power forward would also be a force in Golden State’s frontcourt if he returns fully healthy,” Holcomb writes.
Although he mentions Embiid as a power forward in this mock trade, the Philadelphia 76ers star can play at center, too. Holcomb also predicts the Warriors will send Trayce Jackson-Davis, Buddy Hield, and two first-round picks to Philadelphia for only Embiid.
It is no secret that Embiid is struggling to stay fit. He has played just 58 games in the last two seasons. He had undergone surgery to repair his meniscus, but still felt pain. Embiid did not play after February and has been on the road to recovery since then.
How Would Embiid Transform the Warriors’ Championship Window?
Despite his injury struggles, Embiid’s abilities when healthy are well-known. If he moves to the Bay Area, he will certainly form a lethal offensive lineup with Curry and Butler. He could also solve the Warriors’ problem at center, where Green can move back to his natural power forward position.
Steve Kerr: “I don’t want to start next season with Draymond as our starting center. I think it’s doable for the last 30 games like we did this year, but you see the toll it takes on him.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 16, 2025
Kerr also made it clear that he didn’t want to start the 2025-26 season with Green as the starting center. Green agreed with his coach, mentioning that it is tough playing against players who are “four inches, or six, seven inches taller.”
Although it would take a lot to convince the 76ers to let go of Embiid, it would undoubtedly be an excellent move for the Warriors. If Embiid manages to get 100% healthy for the upcoming season, the Warriors will also be able to capitalize on Curry’s limited championship window.
Curry still seems to be an insane shooter, and that would also be a great weapon to have alongside Embiid’s presence, Butler’s versatility, and Green’s defense. If the Warriors manage to pull this off, it would surely be a blockbuster move.
