The Golden State Warriors are entering a new chapter as they navigate an offseason without guard Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July marks a significant shift for the team.
Despite this change, the Warriors still see a strong core presence with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr leading the charge. This offseason, Golden State has made pivotal moves to reconfigure their roster, aiming to stay competitive in the ever-evolving NBA landscape.
New Faces, New Strategy
Golden State added Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton to bolster their lineup. Buddy Hield, known for his scoring prowess, commented on the transition and the signature ball movement the Warriors are famous for. "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," Hield remarked.
The Warriors also engaged in trade discussions with the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these talks stalled due to the Jazz's high asking price, which included second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. The Warriors deemed the potential deal unbalanced and halted negotiations, demonstrating caution about parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer.
Managing Finances: A Delicate Balance
Golden State has been maneuvering carefully to avoid hefty luxury tax penalties. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed allowed the team to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. Since the 2013-14 season, the Warriors have incurred $677 million in penalties, highlighting the importance of fiscal prudence moving forward.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to be influential within the organization. Curry has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year, potentially up to $62.2 million. Younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody are also set to play more significant roles this season, with both eligible for lucrative five-year extensions in October. Kuminga's potential deal could be worth up to $224 million.
Coaching Staff Changes
The Warriors are also addressing significant shifts within their coaching staff. Following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, the team has recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings an offensive expertise that the Warriors hope will complement their existing strategies, while Stackhouse offers defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Front Office and Player Perspectives
General Manager Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence in the team's younger talents. “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them,” Dunleavy emphasized, illustrating the organization's trust in their developmental pipeline. Stephen Curry echoed a commitment to competing at a high level. "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 stated.
Even amidst the significant changes, a source within the Warriors' front office conveyed a positive outlook, noting the situation is "actually really fun." This optimism hints at the potential for the franchise to navigate their challenges successfully while fostering a competitive environment.
As the Warriors prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of experienced leadership and fresh talent, coupled with strategic financial management, seems poised to keep them in contention. The team's ability to adapt and thrive after the loss of a cornerstone player like Klay Thompson will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.