The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for a new era without their long-time shooting guard Klay Thompson, who departed for the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this past July. This marks the end of an era for the Warriors, who must now forge a new path while maintaining the presence of their remaining stars, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
A Revamped Roster
Despite Thompson's departure, the Warriors are not standing idle. The front office has reconfigured the roster with strategic additions like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, in particular, has been highlighted for his scoring prowess, an asset that the team hopes will fill some of the void left by Thompson's exit.
“I watched these guys play my whole [time] in college, even in the pros,” Hield shared. “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."
Challenges and Cautions
The Warriors have also engaged in discussions to bring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. However, the high asking price—including second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks—led Golden State to halt negotiations, deeming the potential deal unbalanced.
The team's cautious approach extends to its young talent. Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga are seen as key future assets, and the Warriors are wary of parting with them without an overwhelming offer. General Manager Mike Dunleavy expressed confidence in the team’s current roster, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Financial Maneuvering
A significant concern for the Warriors has been managing their financial position to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties. The team has incurred a staggering $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. The recent decision to release Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed was a strategic move to position themselves under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
The financial outlook is particularly relevant as Stephen Curry approaches a crucial deadline to extend his contract for an extra year, potentially worth up to $62.2 million. The organization's financial prudence will be a balancing act as younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody rise into larger roles. Both are eligible for five-year extensions in October, with Kuminga’s potential deal estimated to be worth up to $224 million.
Leadership and Coaching Changes
Amid these roster changes, the Warriors are also addressing shifts within their coaching staff. The departure of assistant coach Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic have precipitated the recruitments of Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a wealth of offensive expertise, while Stackhouse offers a strong defensive acumen honed during his tenure as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Stephen Curry remains a cornerstone of the Warriors both on and off the court. His influence is substantial within the organization, and his commitment to winning is unwavering. "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.
Draymond Green also continues to be a pivotal figure, contributing significantly to the team’s dynamic. As younger players prepare to step into the limelight, the Warriors hope the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent will fuel another competitive season.
Moving Forward
The Golden State Warriors are navigating a complex landscape, balancing financial constraints, strategic trades, and the integration of new and existing talent. As they forge ahead without Klay Thompson, the focus remains on leveraging their star power and nurturing rising talents to stay competitive in a robust NBA environment.
"The situation is actually really fun," a front office source commented, reflecting a sense of optimism as the Warriors chart their course for the future.