Warriors linked to Michigan trio as NBA Draft approaches

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2026 NBA Draft facing one of the most important decisions of the Steph Curry era.

With Curry turning 39 next season and the franchise still trying to maximize its championship window alongside Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, finding immediate help at No. 11 overall could prove just as important as any move made in free agency.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors have zeroed in on a group of prospects from one program in particular.

“Funny enough, sources say all three Michigan guys are in play for the Golden State Warriors with the 11th pick.” Siegel wrote, referring to national champion Michigan standouts Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr.

The interest is hardly surprising.

Golden State recently hosted Johnson and Lendeborg for pre-draft workouts.

The Warriors have spent significant time evaluating Michigan’s championship core, suggesting the front office sees potential fits who could contribute both now and in the future.

Lendeborg may be the cleanest fit.

The 6-foot-9 forward is viewed as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. At 24 years old, he lacks the ascending potential of some younger prospects, but his versatility, rebounding, passing and defensive instincts align closely with the type of players Steve Kerr has traditionally valued.

Mara offers a very different appeal. The 7-foot-3 Spanish center emerged as one of the biggest risers during the draft process after leading college basketball in blocks and helping Michigan win a national championship.

Scouts have been particularly intrigued by his combination of rim protection, mobility and passing ability, traits that could allow him to thrive in Golden State’s motion offense.

Johnson may be the wild card of the group. The athletic forward-center averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while earning All-Big Ten and All-Defensive honors. His energy, rebounding and defensive versatility could fill several needs for a Warriors team that has long searched for frontcourt athleticism.

Which leads to Siegel’s next point. The Warriors may not ultimately stay at No. 11.

Siegel reported Golden State could “bounce around, gather more assets, and still get one of the players they want,” suggesting a trade-back scenario remains very much in play.

In a deep draft class, moving down a few spots while acquiring additional assets could allow the Warriors to improve both their present and future.

Michigan’s trio isn’t the only group under consideration. Siegel also reported that wings Nate Ament and Brayden Burries are receiving strong consideration.

The team has also hosted work outs for projected second rounders Illinois guard Kylan Boswell and Tennessee center Felix Okpara

Still, the repeated connections to Michigan prospects stand out.

For Mike Dunleavy Jr., this draft is about threading the needle of two realities. It’s not just about finding someone capable of helping Curry compete for an incredible fifth championship, it needs to give the franchise a building block for life after beyond its dynastic core.

The Warriors cannot afford to miss.