The Golden State Warriors enter a new era this offseason, bidding farewell to guard Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal marks the end of an iconic backcourt tandem alongside Stephen Curry. Now, the Warriors must usher in a new phase, relying on a mix of seasoned stalwarts and fresh faces.
Despite the loss of Thompson, the Warriors retain the backbone of their success with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr. This trio has been instrumental in the team's achievements, including multiple NBA championships. Combined with their significant influence within the organizational framework, their leadership will be crucial as the team navigates the upcoming season.
However, last season's exit in the play-in tournament against the Sacramento Kings showcased the necessity for roster reconfiguration. The Warriors have since retooled their lineup, adding notable players like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, known for his scoring prowess, expressed optimism about fitting into the team’s system. "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,” he said.
The Warriors also explored trade options to further bolster their roster. Talks with the Utah Jazz centered on acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, but negotiations faltered due to the high asking price. The Jazz sought second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski along with multiple draft picks. Ultimately, Golden State deemed the potential deal unbalanced and halted negotiations. The team’s cautious approach to parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga reflects their strategy to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties and maintain roster flexibility.
Since the 2013-14 season, the Warriors have incurred $677 million in luxury tax penalties. A strategic move was made recently by releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, allowing the team to position itself under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. This maneuvering underscores the Warriors' careful financial management while aiming to remain competitive.
The influence of Curry and Green within the Warriors remains substantial. Curry, who has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year worth up to $62.2 million, remains central to the team's success. Meanwhile, younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to take on larger roles this season. Both Kuminga and Moody are eligible for five-year extensions in October, and their development could be critical to the Warriors’ long-term plans. A potential deal for Kuminga could be as lucrative as $224 million, reflecting the team’s high hopes for his future contributions.
As the Warriors prepare for the new season, they are also addressing changes within their coaching staff. The departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic necessitated reinforcements. The team has brought in Terry Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Jerry Stackhouse, who brings defensive acumen honed over his time as head coach at Vanderbilt.
“We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them,” said Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy, emphasizing the team's confidence in their young players. Stephen Curry also echoed the sentiment of a competitive mindset, stating, "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."
Inside sources reflect a feeling of optimism despite the roster changes, describing the current situation as "actually really fun." The upcoming season promises to be a critical juncture for the Warriors, balancing the experience of their veteran players with the potential of their emerging talents, all while maintaining financial prudence.
The Golden State Warriors’ next chapter may be filled with uncertainties, but their approach remains steadfast: build a competitive team without sacrificing key elements of their hard-earned basketball culture and financial stability.