The Golden State Warriors are entering a transformative offseason, marking the first time since 2011 that the team will move forward without guard Klay Thompson. Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July has left a significant void, but the Warriors are not standing still.
Despite the loss of Thompson, key figures like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr remain with the team. Their experience and leadership will be critical as the Warriors look to rebound from last season's disappointing finish, where they were ousted by the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament.
The Warriors have reconfigured their roster with strategic additions, including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, known for his scoring prowess, expressed his excitement about joining the Warriors, stating, "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."
The Warriors also engaged in discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these talks stalled due to the high asking price, which included second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. Golden State ultimately halted negotiations, deeming the potential deal unbalanced. The team remains cautious about parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer.
Luxury Tax Maneuvering
One of the significant challenges for the Warriors has been managing their finances to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties. The team has incurred $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed was a strategic move to reposition the team under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to hold substantial influence within the organization. Curry has until the summer to extend his contract for an additional year for up to $62.2 million. Meanwhile, younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to assume larger roles this 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.
Coaching Staff Adjustments
In addition to roster changes, the Warriors are also addressing shifts within their coaching staff. The team experienced significant departures, with Kenny Atkinson leaving for Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill these voids, Golden State has recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a wealth of offensive expertise, while Stackhouse, the former head coach at Vanderbilt, is noted for his defensive acumen. These changes are expected to inject new ideas and strategies into the Warriors' playbook.
Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy remains optimistic about the future, expressing belief in the team's young talent. "We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them," said Dunleavy. This sentiment reflects a broader organizational commitment to developing homegrown talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
Outlook for the Season
The Warriors are navigating this transitional period with a clear focus: to remain competitive and strive for excellence. Stephen Curry articulated this ambition succinctly, 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."
The fluidity within the team, both in terms of player acquisitions and coaching adjustments, is seen as an opportunity rather than a setback. As a front office source described it, the situation is "actually really fun." This sense of optimism and strategic maneuvering sets the stage for what could be an intriguing and potentially rewarding season for the Golden State Warriors.