The Golden State Warriors are stepping into uncharted territory as they prepare for their first offseason without guard Klay Thompson, a stalwart of the team since 2011. Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this July marks a significant shift for a franchise that has relied heavily on his sharpshooting and defensive prowess.
An Evolving Roster
Despite Thompson's absence, the Warriors' core remains intact with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr continuing to steer the ship. The team has undergone considerable roster changes to address its deficiencies and revitalize its competitive edge. Notable newcomers like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton are expected to contribute significantly in the upcoming season.
Buddy Hield, in particular, was brought in for his scoring ability. Reflecting on his fit within the Warriors' system, Hield expressed confidence, 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."
Trade Talks and Strategic Decisions
The Warriors have been active off the court as well, engaging in trade discussions to further bolster their roster. Talks with the Utah Jazz about acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen hit a roadblock due to the steep asking price, which included second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. Deeming the potential deal unbalanced, the Warriors halted negotiations to avoid sacrificing key young talents.
Mike Dunleavy, the team's general manager, underscored this commitment to their young players, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” This sentiment is particularly relevant as rising stars Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to assume larger roles this upcoming season. Both players are potential candidates for lucrative contract extensions, with Kuminga eligible for a deal worth up to $224 million.
Financial Maneuvering and Luxury Tax Management
A significant aspect of the Warriors' offseason strategy involves navigating the NBA's complex financial landscape. The team has been maneuvering to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties, which have totaled $677 million since the 2013-14 season. A notable decision was the release of Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, allowing the Warriors to reposition themselves under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
Leadership and Organizational Influence
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to exert substantial influence within the Warriors' organizational framework. Curry, whose current deal provides an option to extend for an extra year up to $62.2 million, remains committed to winning. "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 said, reinforcing his championship aspirations.
Coaching Staff Changes
The Warriors are also addressing changes within their coaching staff. The departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic necessitated new hires. The team has recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse to fill the void. Stotts is renowned for his offensive expertise, while Stackhouse brings defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
As the Warriors chart a course through an offseason filled with significant changes and strategic decisions, the front office remains optimistic about the future. Describing the current situation as "actually really fun," a front office source conveyed a sense of excitement and anticipation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
With a reconfigured roster, key veterans still at the helm, and a mix of promising young talent, the Golden State Warriors are poised to embark on the next chapter of their storied franchise.