The Golden State Warriors face a significant shake-up this offseason as they navigate a landscape without 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 era for a team that has been a powerhouse in the NBA over the past decade. However, the Warriors have made substantial moves to reconfigure their roster and remain competitive.
Despite losing in the play-in tournament to the Sacramento Kings last season, Golden State still boasts their core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, along with the strategic guidance of coach Steve Kerr. The front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, has been proactive in their approach to the offseason, bringing in key additions like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, in particular, was acquired for his scoring prowess as the team looks to fill the offensive void left by Thompson.
Throughout the summer, the Warriors engaged in discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding a potential trade for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these talks stalled due to the high asking price, which included second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. Golden State ultimately deemed the deal unbalanced and halted negotiations, choosing to keep their roster intact unless an overwhelming offer presented itself.
In restructuring their team, the Warriors have kept a close watch on their financials to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties. Since the 2013-14 season, the franchise has incurred $677 million in penalties. By releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, the Warriors successfully repositioned under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold, allowing for more flexibility in their roster decisions.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to be influential figures within the organization. Curry, who has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year worth up to $62.2 million, remains a pivotal player as the team transitions into a new era. Younger talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are also poised to assume larger roles this season. Both Kuminga and Moody are eligible for five-year extensions in October, and without a new deal, they could become unrestricted free agents next season.
The potential contract for Kuminga could be worth up to $224 million, a testament to the faith the organization holds in its younger players. “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them,” said Dunleavy, affirming the team's commitment to developing their drafted talent.
The Warriors are also addressing changes within their coaching staff following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To bolster their coaching lineup, the Warriors have recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a wealth of offensive expertise, while Stackhouse offers defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Amid these transitions, the team culture of the Golden State Warriors, characterized by ball movement and a fun, dynamic style of play, remains intact. Buddy Hield, reflecting on his fit with the team, said, "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."
For Curry, the commitment to winning remains steadfast. “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 stated, underscoring his dedication to maintaining a competitive edge.
Despite the challenges and changes, an insider from the front office described the situation as "actually really fun," highlighting the positive outlook and resilience of the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Warriors enter this new chapter, they do so with a blend of seasoned leadership and promising potential, poised to navigate the balance between maintaining competitive performance on the court and managing the financial constraints off it. With strategic moves and a clear vision, the Golden State Warriors aim to remain a formidable presence in the NBA.