The Golden State Warriors could trade their first-round pick on Thursday, according to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. 

Fresh off a championship victory, the Warriors own the 28th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. There are numerous avenues they could take with their pick but the most likely outcome is that they trade out of the first round.

Golden State has the highest payroll in the NBA at $178 million, which can increase to $475 million if they retain some of their key players this offseason.

Guard Andre Iguodala could probably be brought back for cheap if he decides not to retire. Meanwhile, big man Kevon Looney and guard Gary Payton II are in line for a sizeable upgrade in salary. 

The biggest decision the Warriors must make this offseason is whether or not they will extend guard Jordan Poole’s and forward Andrew Wiggins’ contracts. 

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Poole will be a restricted free agent next summer and had a breakout year this past season, culminating in a fourth-place finish in Most Improved Player of the Year voting.

Wiggins will be an unrestricted free agent next summer and was pivotal in the Dubs championship run.

The Dubs could also be looking toward the future with this move. While the Warriors do have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green the trio can not play forever. 

Recent picks Poole, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody seem to be the future in Golden State, but Poole was the only player to receive substantial playing time this past season. 

The Warriors might be signaling a youth movement to free up more playing time for the youngsters. 

If the Warriors do decide to trade out of the first round, they still hold the 51st and 57th pick in the second round.