The Golden State Warriors are navigating uncharted territory as they embark on an offseason without guard Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Thompson's exit, a result of a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks in July, marks a significant shift for a team that has long been defined by its core group of players. Despite Thompson's departure, the Warriors retain the leadership of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
Last season, the Warriors faced disappointment, falling to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. In response, the franchise is bolstering its roster with new additions like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Notably, Hield is expected to bring his scoring prowess to the team, augmenting the offensive firepower alongside Curry. Reflecting on his move to the Warriors, Hield remarked, "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."
Reconfiguring the Roster
The Warriors were in talks with the Utah Jazz about acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, those discussions stalled due to the high asking price, which included second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, an All-Rookie, and multiple draft picks. Golden State decided to halt negotiations, citing the imbalance in the potential deal. The organization's cautious approach reflects their unwillingness to part with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without receiving a substantial offer in return.
In addition to player movements, the Warriors are maneuvering to manage their financial commitments effectively. By releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, the team positioned itself below the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. The Warriors have incurred a staggering $677 million in luxury tax penalties since the 2013-14 season, making financial prudence a priority. Despite these financial considerations, the influence of Curry and Green within the organizational framework remains substantial.
Anticipating Contract Extensions
Stephen Curry has the opportunity to extend his contract by an extra year, potentially worth up to $62.2 million, by the summer. Meanwhile, younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to assume larger roles this season. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they don't sign extensions after next season. For Kuminga, the potential deal could be worth up to $224 million, reflecting his burgeoning value to the team and the league.
Coaching Staff Changes
The Warriors are also addressing changes within their coaching staff following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill these gaps, the team has recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a reputation for offensive expertise, while Stackhouse, who honed his defensive acumen over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt, is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s overall strategy.
Despite the roster and staffing changes, the spirits within the Warriors' camp remain optimistic. As a front office source mentioned, the situation is "actually really fun." This atmosphere of optimism is echoed in Curry's words: "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 a reconfigured roster and new coaching adjustments, the upcoming season holds a mixture of challenges and opportunities for the Warriors. Yet, the team's commitment to maintaining competitive integrity while managing financial constraints promises to be the foundation of their strategy moving forward. As Mike Dunleavy succinctly put it, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” Guided by this belief, the Warriors aim to navigate through change and emerge even stronger.