The Golden State Warriors, for the first time since 2011, are entering an offseason without Klay Thompson on their roster. Thompson, who has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade, joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July, leaving a significant vacancy in the Warriors' lineup. Despite his departure, the Warriors retain the talents of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, two stalwarts who continue to influence the organizational framework under the guidance of coach Steve Kerr.
Last season ended in disappointment for the Warriors as they fell to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. This offseason has seen Golden State reconfiguring their roster with notable additions including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, known for his scoring prowess, is expected to add a much-needed offensive boost. Reflecting on his new team, Hield shared, "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, the trade talks stalled due to the high asking price of second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski along with multiple draft picks. Golden State halted negotiations, deeming the potential deal unbalanced. The Warriors are cautious about parting with key players like Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without receiving an overwhelming offer in return.
Financial Maneuvering
Golden State's front office is actively managing the team's finances to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties. Releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed allowed the Warriors to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. It’s a necessary strategy considering the Warriors have incurred $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season.
Stephen Curry continues to showcase his commitment and influence within the organization. He has the option to extend his contract for an additional year, worth up to $62.2 million, by the summer. Curry’s determination to maintain the team's competitive edge remains 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 emphasized.
Younger Talent Ready to Shine
With Thompson's departure and a renewed focus on avoiding the luxury tax, younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to take on 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 $224 million, underscoring his importance to the franchise’s future. Mike Dunleavy, speaking about the young talents, said, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Coaching Staff Adjustments
The offseason also saw changes within the Warriors' coaching staff. Following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, the team has brought in Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts is known for his offensive expertise, which will be invaluable as the Warriors integrate new players into their system. Stackhouse, on the other hand, brings defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt, adding depth to the coaching strategy.
Challenges and Optimisms
Despite the significant changes, a source within the front office described the situation as "actually really fun," highlighting the excitement and optimism surrounding the team's potential. As the Warriors navigate this transformative period, their objective remains clear: to stay competitive and continue their legacy of excellence.
The 2023-24 NBA season will undoubtedly be a pivotal one for Golden State. With seasoned veterans and promising young talents in the fold, the Warriors are looking to blend experience and youth to reclaim their place among the league’s elite. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the franchise’s commitment to success reflects their resilience and adaptability.