As the Golden State Warriors steel themselves for a pivotal offseason, the team finds itself navigating uncharted territory. For the first time since 2011, the Warriors will move forward without Klay Thompson, who departed to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal. Despite the setback, the Warriors retain their cornerstone figures in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
The recent reshuffle follows Golden State's defeat at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament last season. The front office has been proactive, bringing in new talent like Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Buddy Hield, in particular, was acquired for his scoring prowess. Reflecting on his new team, 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."
The Warriors have also been in talks with the Utah Jazz to acquire All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, although negotiations hit a snag. The high asking price of second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski, along with multiple draft picks, made the trade unfeasible. Golden State halted negotiations, feeling the potential deal was unbalanced and cautious about parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer.
Luxury Tax Woes
Financial maneuvering to mitigate luxury tax penalties has been a focal point for the Warriors. The decision to release Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed allowed the team to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. This strategic release is just one of many moves aimed at curtailing luxury tax liabilities, which have reached a staggering $677 million since the 2013-14 season.
Despite these financial constraints, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to wield significant influence within the organization. Curry, in particular, has a decision looming; he has until the summer to extend his contract for an extra year, potentially earning up to $62.2 million.
Promising Young Talent
Amidst the roster reconfiguration, opportunities for the younger players are on the horizon. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to assume larger roles this season. Both are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if they do not sign extensions after the next season. Kuminga's potential deal could be worth up to an impressive $224 million, adding an interesting dynamic to the Warriors' future planning.
The front office, represented by Mike Dunleavy, expressed confidence in their young talent, saying, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” The sentiment echoes the organizational philosophy of developing homegrown talent, a strategy that has yielded success in the past.
Coaching Staff Adjustments
The Warriors are also addressing significant changes within their coaching staff following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the tragic passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. In response, the team has recruited seasoned coaches Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a wealth of offensive expertise, while Stackhouse offers defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
As the Warriors navigate these transitions, internal sentiment remains optimistic. A source within the front office described the situation as “actually really fun,” reflecting a resilient and positive outlook despite the challenges. Curry echoed a similar belief in the team's potential, 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."
In sum, the upcoming season for the Golden State Warriors is poised to be one filled with both challenges and opportunities. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, coupled with strategic roster and coaching adjustments, positions the team to navigate this new era without Klay Thompson while still vying for success.