The Golden State Warriors are embarking on a new chapter, entering an offseason without the presence of Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Thompson, a cornerstone of the franchise's recent success, joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July. Despite his departure, the Warriors retain a robust core featuring Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
Reconstructing the Roster
Last season, the Warriors faced a setback, losing to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. In response, Golden State has made strategic moves to reconfigure their roster. They have acquired Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton, each bringing unique strengths to the team. Hield, in particular, was brought in for his scoring prowess, adding depth to the Warriors' offensive arsenal.
While the team has also explored high-profile trades, such as discussions with the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors have remained cautious. The talks stalled due to the high asking price for second-year guard and All-Rookie selection Brandin Podziemski, along with multiple draft picks. Golden State deemed the deal unbalanced and halted negotiations, highlighting their reluctance to part with key players without overwhelming offers.
Financial Maneuvering
Golden State's front office has been adept at navigating the treacherous waters of the NBA's luxury tax penalties. With penalties amounting to $677 million since the 2013-14 season, the Warriors are keen to avoid additional financial burdens. They took a significant step by releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, repositioning themselves under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
Amid these logistical challenges, the influence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains substantial within the organization. Curry, who has been a linchpin for the franchise, has until the summer to extend his contract for an extra year, potentially worth up to $62.2 million.
Future Prospects
Younger talents such as Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to take on larger roles this season. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they don't sign extensions after the upcoming season. Kuminga's potential deal could be worth up to $224 million, signaling the team's belief in his future impact.
Amidst these player movements, significant changes are occurring within the 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 is known for his offensive expertise, while Stackhouse brings a keen defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Looking Ahead
Despite the various adjustments, there is an air of optimism within the organization. Addressing the transitions, Buddy Hield shared, "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."
The Warriors' management also remains confident in their young talents. Mike Dunleavy emphasized this by stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Stephen Curry succinctly captured the team's ambition, "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."
As the Warriors retool and refocus, the road ahead promises both challenges and opportunities. The evolving roster, financial maneuvering, and strategic player development all aim towards restoring the Warriors to their championship-contending form. Inside sources describe the situation as “actually really fun,” reflecting a shared belief in the potential of this evolving team.