In an offseason filled with significant roster changes, the Golden State Warriors are set for a new era without the familiar presence of guard Klay Thompson. For the first time since 2011, Thompson won't be donned in a Warriors uniform, having joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July. Yet, the team retains cornerstone players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and seasoned coach Steve Kerr, who have their sights set on steering the team towards another successful campaign.
The Warriors' recent season ended with a defeat at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. Determined to avoid a repeat performance, the front office has made rigorous efforts to reconfigure the roster. Notable additions include Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, in particular, was brought in to bolster the team's scoring capabilities. Reflecting on his fit with the team, Hield noted, "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."
While the pursuit of additional talent led the Warriors to engage in talks with the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, negotiations hit a roadblock. The Jazz’s high asking price, which included second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks, was deemed too steep by Golden State. As a result, the talks were halted, with the Warriors considering the potential deal to be unbalanced.
Despite these challenges, the team remains cautious about parting with promising young talents like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer. General Manager Mike Dunleavy emphasized, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” Dunleavy's sentiment underscores the team's commitment to developing their core while avoiding the pitfalls of burdensome luxury tax penalties. To reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold, the Warriors made strategic moves, including releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed.
Luxury tax penalties have been a recurring theme for the Warriors, with the franchise accumulating a staggering $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. However, the influence of Curry and Green within the organization remains substantial. Curry, who has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year up to $62.2 million, remains a pivotal figure both on and off the court.
Looking ahead, younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are set to take on more prominent roles. Both players 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, reportedly worth up to $224 million, highlights the value the Warriors place on their emerging stars.
The coaching staff has also seen changes, with the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. In response, the Warriors have recruited Terry Stotts, known for his offensive expertise, and Jerry Stackhouse, whose defensive acumen was honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
As the Warriors navigate this transformative period, the consensus within the front office remains optimistic. One source described the situation as "actually really fun," a testament to the excitement surrounding the team's new-look roster. Curry's determination to win is unwavering, as he candidly remarked, "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."
With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continuing to steer the ship, and a blend of seasoned players and budding talent ready to rise to the occasion, the Warriors are poised to script a new chapter. Whether it culminates in success remains to be seen, but the journey promises to be compelling.