The departure of Klay Thompson has ushered in a new era for the Golden State Warriors. For the first time since 2011, the Warriors will navigate an offseason without the seasoned guard on their roster. Thompson's decision to join the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this July has left an undeniable void in the team’s composition. However, with stalwarts like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr still in the mix, Golden State is strategizing meticulously to stay competitive.
Roster Overhaul and New Additions
The Warriors' loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament last season laid bare the need for significant changes. The front office responded by acquiring new talents, including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Buddy Hield, known for his scoring ability, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team, saying, "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 Discussions and Strategic Moves
The Warriors’ front office was active beyond new signings. They explored trade possibilities, including discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these talks stalled due to the high asking price involving second-year guard and All-Rookie selection, Brandin Podziemski, along with multiple draft picks. Golden State deemed the deal unbalanced and halted negotiations. General Manager Mike Dunleavy reinforced the team's commitment to its young core, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Financial Considerations
Financial prudence has been a significant aspect of the team's strategy. With an eye on avoiding burdensome luxury tax penalties, the Warriors released Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed. This move repositioned the team under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold—a necessary concession for a team that has incurred $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season.
Key Player Influences
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain influential within the franchise. Curry, in particular, has the option to extend his contract for an additional year worth up to $62.2 million by the summer. His recent comments encapsulated his drive to keep the Warriors competitive: "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."
Youthful Prospects
The Warriors are also looking to their younger talents to step up. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised for larger roles this season. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they do not sign extensions after the next season. Kuminga, especially, stands to benefit immensely, with a potential deal worth up to $224 million.
Changes in the Coaching Staff
In addition to player personnel changes, the coaching staff also sees a shake-up. The team is adapting to the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the unfortunate passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill this gap, the Warriors have roped in Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Stackhouse, with his defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt, are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the team.
Amidst all these changes, a front office source described the current situation as "actually really fun," signaling optimism despite the challenges ahead. The Warriors' reconfigured roster and strategic maneuvering reflect a focused effort to balance financial constraints with the ambition to remain competitive in the highly dynamic landscape of the NBA.