Mike Dunleavy

Mike Dunleavy
Born	Michael Joseph Dunleavy Jr. 15 9, 1980
Birthplace	Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Basketball executive, former professional basketball player
Title	General Manager, Golden State Warriors
Employer	Golden State Warriors
Known for	General Manager of the Golden State Warriors; NBA career as a forward
Education	Duke University

Mike Dunleavy may refer to several notable Americans who share the name, most prominently Mike Dunleavy Jr. (born September 15, 1980), an American basketball executive and former professional player who serves as the general manager of the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The son of former NBA player and coach Mike Dunleavy Sr., the younger Dunleavy played college basketball at Duke University before being selected as the third overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. Over a 15-year professional career, he played for several NBA teams, establishing himself as a reliable wing player known for his shooting and basketball intelligence. After retiring as a player, Dunleavy transitioned into the front office, ultimately ascending to the role of general manager of one of the NBA's most prominent franchises. The name is also shared by Mike Dunleavy Sr. (born 1954), an American former basketball player, coach, and executive, and Mike Dunleavy (born 1961), an American educator and politician who serves as the Governor of Alaska. This article primarily addresses Mike Dunleavy Jr. in his capacity as a basketball executive, while also providing overview sections on the other notable individuals who share the name.

Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Early Life and Education

Michael Joseph Dunleavy Jr. was born on September 15, 1980, in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the son of Mike Dunleavy Sr., who had a notable career in the NBA as both a player and head coach. Growing up in a basketball family, the younger Dunleavy was immersed in the sport from an early age, often accompanying his father to practices and games as his father coached various NBA teams.

Dunleavy attended Duke University, one of the most storied college basketball programs in the United States, where he played under head coach Mike Krzyzewski. During his time at Duke, Dunleavy helped lead the Blue Devils to an NCAA championship and established himself as one of the top prospects in college basketball. His combination of size, shooting ability, and court vision made him a highly valued draft prospect, and he declared for the NBA draft after his junior season.

Playing Career

Dunleavy was selected with the third overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, beginning a connection with the franchise that would span decades. During his initial stint with the Warriors, he developed as a versatile wing player, though the team struggled competitively during much of his tenure in the Bay Area.

Over the course of his 15-year NBA career, Dunleavy played for multiple franchises, including the Golden State Warriors, the Indiana Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Atlanta Hawks. He was recognized as a dependable outside shooter and a player with high basketball IQ, traits that would later serve him in his transition to a front-office career.

Front Office Career

After retiring as a player, Dunleavy moved into basketball operations. He eventually joined the Golden State Warriors' front office, where he rose through the organization's ranks. He was named general manager of the Warriors, taking on the responsibility of managing the roster of a franchise that had won multiple NBA championships in the preceding decade, built around stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

2025–26 Season and Trade Deadline

During the 2025–26 NBA season, Dunleavy navigated a particularly consequential trade deadline period that drew significant national media attention. Reports emerged suggesting that the Warriors had pursued a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, leading to widespread speculation about which Warriors players might have been offered in potential trade packages.

In the aftermath of the trade deadline, Dunleavy made his first public comments to address rumors that veteran forward Draymond Green had been included in trade discussions. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Dunleavy categorically denied that Green's name had been part of any trade conversations. "His name was not in conversations," Dunleavy stated publicly, seeking to quell speculation that could have disrupted team chemistry.

The San Francisco Standard reported in detail on how Dunleavy managed the complexities of the trade deadline period, including balancing calls regarding Green's status and pursuing players such as Kristaps Porzingis. The report highlighted the difficulty of Dunleavy's position in attempting to improve the Warriors' roster while maintaining relationships with existing players and navigating the intense media scrutiny that accompanies any transaction involving a high-profile franchise.

Dunleavy's account of the trade deadline was subsequently corroborated by Warriors owner Joe Lacob, who publicly reaffirmed that Green had never been discussed in trade talks. "He was never discussed in a trade, Mike Dunleavy was 100% correct on that," Lacob stated, according to HoopsHype. NBC Sports Bay Area further reported on Lacob's public backing of Dunleavy's statements, reinforcing the alignment between ownership and the front office regarding the team's approach at the deadline.

Looking beyond the immediate trade deadline, Dunleavy expressed confidence in the Warriors' ability to make significant roster additions during the upcoming offseason. In comments reported by NBC Sports Bay Area, Dunleavy proclaimed that the Warriors "got the goods" to make substantial moves, including the potential addition of another NBA star through either trades or free agency. This forward-looking posture indicated the franchise's continued ambition to compete for championships despite an aging core roster.

Personal Life

Mike Dunleavy Jr. is the son of Mike Dunleavy Sr., who had a lengthy career in the NBA as a player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs, and later served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Clippers. The elder Dunleavy also worked as a basketball executive. The father-son connection to the NBA represents one of the more notable family legacies in American professional basketball.

Mike Dunleavy Sr.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. (born March 21, 1954) is an American former professional basketball player, head coach, and executive. As a player, he competed in the NBA for several teams over the course of his career. After retiring as a player, Dunleavy Sr. transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach of multiple NBA franchises, including the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. He was also involved in basketball operations in an executive capacity. His son, Mike Dunleavy Jr., followed him into both professional basketball and, eventually, into the management side of the sport.

Mike Dunleavy (Governor of Alaska)

Background

Mike Dunleavy (born May 16, 1961) is an American educator and politician who has served as the Governor of Alaska. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dunleavy moved to Alaska where he worked as a teacher and school administrator before entering politics. He served in the Alaska State Senate prior to running for governor.

Governorship

As Governor of Alaska, Dunleavy has focused on issues related to resource development, state finances, and Alaska's relationship with the federal government. His tenure has been marked by debates over the state budget, the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, and land use policies.

Land and Resource Policy

In February 2026, Governor Dunleavy joined U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in announcing the revocation of Public Land Orders 5150 and 5180, which opened approximately 2.1 million acres in the Dalton Corridor to expanded economic activity. The action, taken by the federal Department of the Interior, was welcomed by Dunleavy as a step toward expanding economic opportunities in Alaska's interior region.

Recall Effort and Political Legacy

Dunleavy's governorship faced organized opposition early in his tenure, including a recall effort. As of February 2026, with Dunleavy's term approaching its conclusion, former recall campaign leader Meda DeWitt announced her candidacy for governor. DeWitt, described as having extensive experience as a community and political organizer, declared that "Alaska needs a mom" as the state confronts significant challenges, positioning herself as a candidate who would take the state in a different direction from the Dunleavy administration. The emergence of a former recall organizer as a gubernatorial candidate underscored the polarizing nature of Dunleavy's tenure and the degree to which his policies continued to shape Alaska's political landscape.

Disambiguation

The name Mike Dunleavy is associated with three prominent Americans:

• Mike Dunleavy Sr. (born 1954) — former NBA player, coach, and executive
• Mike Dunleavy Jr. (born 1980) — NBA executive and former player; current general manager of the Golden State Warriors
• Mike Dunleavy (born 1961) — educator and politician; Governor of Alaska

A similarly named individual, Mike Dunlevy (born c. 1965), is an American college football coach, though the spelling of the surname differs.