Photo: Peter Baba

The Golden State Warriors may not make an immediate splash, but ESPN insider Marc J. Spears believes the franchise is positioned to pursue a major move before the 2027 NBA trade deadline if it remains patient.

Speaking on 95.7 The Game, Spears argued that Golden State’s current roster construction gives general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. significant flexibility later in the season rather than forcing a move before opening night.

“Think about what you have. You have an expiring contract with Porzingis, right? A tradable contract with Porzingis. Draymond’s got a tradable contract. Jimmy has a tradable contract,” Spears said. “And you’re going to have teams that, I believe, at the trade deadline might be willing to make major changes.”

According to Spears, the Warriors should resist the temptation to react early and instead evaluate where the team stands by February, when more sellers could emerge around the league.

“It’s not about today. It’s about the end of next season,” Spears added. “I think for Dunleavy, the way their roster is built and what they have now, I think the patient route—trying to make some big moves at the trade deadline—is, to me, the better route to go.”

Golden State enters the season with an experienced core led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, while Kristaps Porzingis gives the club another high-salary veteran on an expiring contract. Those deals could become valuable matching salaries if the Warriors pursue a star or multiple rotation upgrades at the deadline.

Spears also suggested that Green and Butler would understand if business decisions ultimately required changes to the roster.

“I do think that Jimmy and Draymond are mature enough at this stage in their careers where they’d be like, ‘I get it.’ I understand. I get it,'” Spears said.

Brian Windhorst shared a similar view. “They have an attractive place to play…I don’t know what it’ll look like 8 months from now. Give up on the Warriors and their chance to draw players if you want. But I would just stay tuned. And I know that’s not what anybody wants to hear. But the Sixers fans were annoyed a couple of weeks ago. So you just wait and watch,” he said.

The Warriors are attempting to maximize the remainder of Curry’s championship window without sacrificing flexibility. Curry, who averaged 26.6 points while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from three over 43 games last season, remains the centerpiece of the franchise entering his age-38 campaign.

Butler was producing at a high level before suffering a torn ACL, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 38 games. His expected return later in the season could significantly alter Golden State’s outlook if the team remains in playoff contention.

Porzingis, meanwhile, averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 15 appearances during an injury-shortened campaign.

Green continues to anchor the defense despite modest offensive numbers, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists while earning consideration in the Defensive Player of the Year race. Along with Butler’s contract, his salary provides another potential avenue for constructing a blockbuster deal if the right opportunity arises.

Golden State is coming off a disappointing 37-45 campaign that ended in the Play-In Tournament after finishing 10th in the Western Conference.