For the Golden State Warriors, this offseason marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Guard Klay Thompson, a staple of the Warriors' roster since 2011, has departed in a sign-and-trade deal to the Dallas Mavericks, dramatically altering the team's dynamic. Even with this significant change, the team retains core players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and visionary coach Steve Kerr.
A Shift in Roster and Strategy
Having lost to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament last season, the Warriors have taken steps to reconfigure their roster. Key additions like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton are expected to bring a new energy to the team. Buddy Hield, renowned for his scoring ability, shared his excitement about joining the Warriors, saying, "I watched these guys play my whole [time] in college, even in the pros. When they play, they are a fun team to watch because of the ball movement and the way Steph, Draymond, Andrew [Wiggins], and the way coach Steve [Kerr] coaches. I just feel that it's a good fit, but everything takes time to learn it. It shouldn't be that hard."
Negotiation Hurdles
In their quest to further bolster their roster, the Warriors engaged in trade discussions with the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these talks hit a snag as the Warriors were unwilling to meet the high price of trading away Brandin Podziemski, a promising second-year guard and All-Rookie, along with multiple draft picks. Golden State ultimately paused negotiations, considering the deal unbalanced. The caution stems from the team's reluctance to part with key young players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer.
Financial Maneuvering
The Warriors have long been entangled with luxury tax penalties, racking up $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. This offseason, they took steps to navigate these financial hurdles, such as releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed. This strategic move allowed them to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
The influence of players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains substantial within the organization. Curry, for example, has the option to extend his contract for an extra year up to $62.2 million by the summer. Both Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to take on larger roles this season. They are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they don't sign extensions after next season, with Kuminga's potential deal reaching up to $224 million.
Coaching Changes
Besides player acquisitions and trades, the Warriors are adjusting to changes within their coaching staff. Following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, the team has recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings offensive expertise while Stackhouse is noted for his defensive acumen from his time as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Team General Manager Mike Dunleavy, reflecting on the current state of the roster, remarked, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” His confidence signals a commitment to nurturing and developing the younger talent within the squad.
A Balancing Act
Stephen Curry has been vocal about his desire for the team to remain competitive, emphasizing his unwillingness to play in a non-competitive environment. "I want to win. Let's put it this way, it's a long-winded way of saying that if it is a situation where you're a bottom feeder and it's just because you want to stay there, I'd have a hard time with that. But I don't think that's going to be the reality," Curry asserted.
A front office source noted the current situation is "actually really fun," hinting at the excitement behind the scenes as the team navigates these pivotal changes. The Golden State Warriors' journey this offseason is marked by both cautious optimism and strategic maneuvering, setting the stage for what could be a fascinating season ahead.