With simply 10 gamers on their 2025-2026 roster on the finish of July, the Golden State Warriors have numerous work to do over the following few months. Whereas a number of marquee names are nonetheless out there in free company, the Warriors have to think about bringing again versatile guard Taran Armstrong after a powerful exhibiting within the 2025 NBA Summer time League.
Armstrong has had an odd begin to his profession, however has completed sufficient to date to earn a second likelihood. After two years at California Baptist, he determined to return dwelling to Australia to pursue an expert profession. Armstrong spent one 12 months in Australia earlier than returning to america when Mike Dunleavy Jr. gave him a shot with Golden State.
Armstrong ended the 2024-2025 season with the Warriors after signing a two-way deal late within the 12 months. Golden State prolonged a qualifying supply to him similtaneously Jonathan Kuminga, however Armstrong stays a free agent. With out a lot reporting on what the holdup may be, the 2 sides may need agreed to attend till after the Summer time League to barter a brand new deal. If that’s the case, the crew has to have been impressed by what they noticed.
No one on the Warriors’ Summer time League crew took over because the No. 1 possibility, however Armstrong was arguably their greatest total participant. As a 6-foot-5 level guard, Armstrong is a pure playmaker who hardly ever calls for the ball, however all the time makes one thing occur when he will get it. In 5 video games throughout the California Basic and Las Vegas Summer time League, Armstrong averaged 7.8 factors, 3.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals per outing whereas taking pictures 36.8 p.c from deep.
The Warriors’ roster shouldn’t be as naked because it at the moment appears, with rookies Alex Toohey and Will Richard nonetheless unsigned. Toohey will probably obtain an ordinary contract, with Richard probably inking a two-way deal. Both manner, the Warriors have to discover a method to carry Taran Armstrong again to their 2025-2026 roster following his performances on the 2025 NBA Summer time League.
Taran Armstrong could make Warriors’ 2025-2026 roster
Given the Warriors’ present roster building, Taran Armstrong has a transparent shot at making the crew. Golden State’s give attention to Kuminga is clearly delaying the method, however the Aussie ought to be on an ordinary contract by opening night time.
The Warriors’ present roster is without doubt one of the most top-heavy within the league. They gave Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler profitable extensions throughout the 2024-2025 season, a collection of strikes that financially prohibit them over the following two seasons. No matter what occurs on the courtroom, Golden State won’t be making any additional main strikes till the 2027 offseason.
Curry and Butler will each make north of $54 million per season for the following two years. When factoring in Draymond Inexperienced’s contract, the Warriors owe their high three stars a mixed $286 million over the following two seasons. With Buddy Hield and Moses Moody additionally signed via the 2026-2027 season, Golden State has no selection however to fill its roster with gamers like Armstrong, who will likely be out there to signal on team-friendly offers.
Armstrong proved within the 2025 NBA Summer time League that he’s greater than only a low cost roster filler. Though he isn’t a dominant scorer, the Warriors don’t want that on their roster with Curry and Butler main the way in which. As a substitute, Armstrong’s knack for impacting the sport in a number of sides is way more helpful, as Steve Kerr’s offense operates greatest with a number of playmakers on the ground.
Because the Warriors proceed to give attention to resolving Kuminga’s state of affairs, their free company choices proceed to skinny. Golden State may not have many different potential signings to make, however Armstrong is arguably one of many largest hidden gems nonetheless available on the market.
Taran Armstrong could make an influence in 2025-2026
The Warriors have been one of the crucial fascinating groups to watch within the 2025 offseason, however there isn’t a secret as to how they’ll look in 2025-2026. Regardless of fixed issues about their ages, Curry and Butler will nonetheless lead the present of their first full season collectively.
Though neither participant has proven many indicators of slowing down, Father Time slowly crept as much as each males within the playoffs. The Warriors are aware of the tight window they should capitalize on the Curry-Butler duo and can go all-in on the upcoming season. Having a participant like Armstrong, who appears primed for an even bigger function, alleviate some strain off their high two stars would do wonders for his or her championship aspirations.
Whether or not it’s a profession journeyman like Shaun Livingston or a budding star like Jordan Poole, the Warriors all the time appear to have one function participant burst onto the scene annually. With out a true backup level guard on the roster, Armstrong may definitely obtain sufficient alternatives to be that man in 2025-2026. Whereas he didn’t grace the courtroom as a rookie, Armstrong may very nicely develop into a solidified member of Kerr’s rotation in 12 months two.