Wednesday, October 21, 2026

After Smart Mini-Rebuild, Warriors Once Again Title Favorites

  • The Warriors are back thanks to a miniature rebuild that reinforced the core trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
  • They have the NBA’s highest payroll ($179M) and they’re the favorites to win it all.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The Warriors’ emerging dynasty was put on hold when Klay Thompson missed two consecutive seasons with injuries and Kevin Durant left in 2019.

Now, Steph Curry and co. look like the team to beat this year after advancing to the second round with their 4-1 thumping of the Nuggets.

The Warriors are back thanks to a miniature rebuild that reinforced the core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.

In the process, they’ve formed a new “Death Lineup” reminiscent of the 2014-19 version that destroyed teams with its fast-paced, small-ball rotation.

  • Curry, Thompson, Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole combined for 102 points on 64% FG and 54% 3PT (+26) over the Nuggets series.
  • The Warriors’ February 2020 trade for former No. 1 pick Wiggins ($31.6M) is paying off — he made his first All-Star team this year and averaged 17.2 PPG.
  • Poole ($3.9M), selected with the 28th pick in 2019, is shooting 48.4% from 3PT this postseason, the highest on the team (min. 15 ATT).

The Warriors have won 19 of 21 playoff series since 2015 — but only their Big Three, Andre Iguodala, and coach Steve Kerr remain from that original squad.

They have the NBA’s highest payroll ($179M) for a second straight year, which will likely stay that way with Poole eligible for an extension.

With everyone healthy, it’s their championship to lose. GS is currently the favorite (+300) to win it all for the first time since 2017-18.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LSU Won’t Roster Ex-NBA Player As SEC Legal Battle Continues

Louisiana AG Liz Murrill called again for the SEC’s lawsuit to be dismissed.

Adam Silver on LeBron Helicopter: ‘Perfectly Appropriate’

A source tells FOS the league is not investigating the matter.
Blake Griffin Front Office Sports

Blake Griffin: Clippers Haven’t Honored ‘Lob City’ Team

Griffin said the Clippers releasing Chris Paul was “disappointing.”
Aug 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady looks on during the first half between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center.

Tracy McGrady Backs NBA’s Clippers Punishment: ‘Bad Business’

“Trying to circumvent the salary cap is just a no-no.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/21/26 – T-Mac Backs Clippers Penalty, 80-to-1 Rays Haunt Sportsbooks, Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.

Steinbrenner Lays Blame for Yankees Playoff Loss With Players

The club’s managing general partners made several pointed remarks.
Oct 19, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in game six of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field.
October 20, 2026

World Series Matchup Highlights Financial Savvy of Brewers, Rays

The two league champions used several shrewd moves to fuel their rise.
October 20, 2026

Jed York, Steve Tisch at NFL Owners Meeting After Scandals

York’s suspension is done.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first quarter of game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
October 20, 2026

Cheapest Ticket to Knicks Opener Climbs Above $2,000

New York begins its championship defense Tuesday night.
Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers players celebrate after winning the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
October 19, 2026

World Series Game 1 Tickets Reach Super Bowl Level Prices

Get-in pricing for Friday’s Game 1 is nearing $3,000 per ticket.
October 18, 2026

Ballhalla Lays Out the Blueprint For the WNBA

Golden State has sold out every home game this year.
October 18, 2026

Another Eagles Reset? Losing Streak, Hurts’s Contract Loom Large

The Eagles’ struggles could prompt another organizational overhaul.