For the first time since 2011, the Golden State Warriors are entering an offseason without guard Klay Thompson on their roster. Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal marked the end of an era, and the Warriors are now tasked with establishing a new identity without one of their pivotal players.
Offseason Overhaul
The Warriors' roster has undergone significant changes, but crucial pieces remain. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr continue to serve as the team’s backbone. Despite their presence, the Warriors find themselves reconfiguring their lineup following a disappointing exit from the play-in tournament last season at the hands of the Sacramento Kings.
New additions like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton are expected to fill the void left by Thompson’s departure. Hield, brought in for his scoring abilities, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team. "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," Hield shared.
Trade Rumblings
The Warriors engaged in trade talks with the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, discussions stalled due to the Jazz's high asking price, which included second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski along with multiple draft picks. Deeming the potential deal unbalanced, the Warriors halted negotiations. The organization is cautious about parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer on the table.
Golden State's decision-making is further influenced by their ongoing efforts to manage their finances. With burdensome luxury tax penalties totalling $677 million since the 2013-14 season, the team maneuvered to stay under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed was a significant step towards financial flexibility.
Continuity and Influence
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to wield substantial influence within the organization. Curry, in particular, has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year, potentially worth up to $62.2 million. Their leadership will be crucial as younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to assume larger roles in the upcoming season. Both Kuminga and Moody are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they do not sign extensions after next season. Kuminga’s potential deal could be worth up to $224 million.
Warriors’ General Manager Mike Dunleavy emphasized the team’s commitment to their young talents, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Coaching Adjustments
The Warriors are also navigating changes within their coaching staff following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill the void, the team recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings offensive expertise, while Stackhouse, having honed his defensive acumen over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt, will bolster the defensive coaching staff.
Looking Ahead
As the Warriors transition into this new chapter, the front office remains optimistic. “The situation is 'actually really fun,'” a front office source noted. Star player Stephen Curry echoed a sentiment of resilience and determination, highlighting his competitive nature. "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 asserted.
The Golden State Warriors face a period of transformation, balancing legacy and innovation within their roster and coaching staff. With their core of seasoned leaders and emerging talents, the team is poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season while striving to remain competitive in a fiercely contested league.