Warriors Face a New Era Without Thompson
For the first time since 2011, the Golden State Warriors are heading into an offseason without Klay Thompson. The veteran guard, a linchpin of three NBA championships, departed for the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July, marking a significant transformation for the Warriors.
Despite Thompson's absence, Golden State still boasts the familiar core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr. This trio, however, is adjusting to new dynamics after their unexpected loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament last season.
Roster Reconfiguration and New Additions
To bolster their lineup, the Warriors have brought in the likes of Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Buddy Hield, known for his scoring prowess, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team, stating, “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.”
Moreover, the Warriors engaged in high-profile discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. These talks stalled due to the Jazz's high asking price for second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks, making the potential deal unbalanced in the eyes of Golden State's front office.
Golden State remains cautious about parting with key players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga unless they receive an overwhelming offer. “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them,” asserted Mike Dunleavy.
Avoiding the Luxury Tax
Managing the luxury tax has been a strategic focus for the Warriors, who have incurred a staggering $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. The recent release of Chris Paul, before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, enabled the team to reposition itself under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
This financial discipline provides flexibility for future contractual negotiations, including Stephen Curry's potential extension for an extra year up to $62.2 million, which he can decide on by summer. Despite these economic maneuvers, Curry and Green continue to have substantial influence within the organizational framework.
Emerging Talent and Future Prospects
This season, the Warriors are looking to younger talent like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody to step into larger roles. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they do not finalize extensions after next season. Kuminga's potential deal could reach up to $224 million, reflecting his anticipated value to the team.
The changes within the roster do not stop there. The Warriors are also addressing shifts in their coaching staff, following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. In response, the team has recruited Terry Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Jerry Stackhouse, whose defensive acumen has been honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Changes and Outlook
As the Warriors navigate this transition, the atmosphere within the organization remains optimistic. According to a front office source, the situation is “actually really fun.” This sentiment echoes the competitive spirit that Stephen Curry articulated, “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.”
With a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talent, the Warriors' journey through this transformative period will undoubtedly be one to watch. Their careful balancing of talent acquisition, financial discipline, and strategic growth points to an organization mindful of both the present and the future of its storied success.