The NBA offseason often brings with it a whirlwind of changes, and the Golden State Warriors have experienced no shortage of activity. For the first time since 2011, the Warriors will move forward without star guard Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July. This marks a significant shift for a franchise that has been a perennial contender with Thompson as a staple of their success.
Despite Thompson's departure, the Warriors retain key figures like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr. However, the team is coming off a disappointing end to their season, having been ousted by the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. The Warriors have responded by reworking their roster, adding talents such as Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Buddy Hield, known for his scoring prowess, brings an offensive boost that Curry appreciates. Hield stated, "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 have not only focused on player acquisitions but have also engaged in trade talks to potentially bolster their roster further. Discussions with the Utah Jazz centered around 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, electing to remain cautious about parting with key players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer.
Financial Maneuvers
In addition to roster changes, the Warriors have been maneuvering to dodge hefty luxury tax penalties. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed was a pivotal move that allowed the team to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. This strategy is not new for the Warriors, who have incurred $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. With key figures like Curry and Green still having substantial influence within the organization, the financial decisions remain as critical as the on-court ones. Curry, poised for a contract extension potentially worth up to $62.2 million, exemplifies the ongoing balancing act between investing in talent and managing the salary cap.
Emergence of Young Talent
The Warriors are also promoting from within, preparing younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody for larger roles. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if extensions are not signed after the upcoming season. Kuminga, with a potential deal worth up to $224 million, is a particular focus. Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence in their young core, remarking, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Coaching Staff Overhaul
Changes aren't limited to the roster. The Warriors' coaching staff has seen notable shifts with the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the unfortunate passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill these gaps, the team has brought in Terry Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Jerry Stackhouse, who has honed his defensive acumen over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
As the Warriors navigate this transitional period, the sentiment within the organization remains optimistic. Reflecting on the changing landscape, Curry's commitment to winning is evident. "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," he noted. Echoing this positive outlook, a front office source described the situation as "actually really fun."
Moving forward, the Warriors aim to blend their experienced stalwarts with new additions and emerging young talent, all while maintaining a sharp focus on financial sustainability. Their ability to adapt to a post-Thompson era, manage luxury taxes, and develop future stars will be crucial in determining their standing in the highly competitive NBA landscape.