For the first time since 2011, the Golden State Warriors will head into the offseason without guard Klay Thompson. This development follows his departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July. Despite this significant change, the Warriors still retain the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr, key figures in their recent successes.
Last season ended in disappointment for the Warriors, with a loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. As a result, the team has been actively making moves to reconfigure their roster. This offseason has seen additions such as Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton.
Buddy Hield's arrival has been particularly noted for his scoring prowess. Expressing his excitement about joining 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."
Yet, the Warriors' ambitions didn't stop there. They engaged in trade discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these discussions stalled due to the steep 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.
Moving away from blockbuster deals, the Warriors have been cautious about parting with key young players like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga without an overwhelming offer. This strategic prudence seems aligned with their broader goal of maneuvering to avoid burdensome luxury tax penalties. In fact, releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed allowed the team to reposition under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold, a necessary move considering the $677 million the Warriors have incurred in penalties since the 2013-14 season.
The influence of seasoned players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains substantial within the Warriors' organizational framework. Curry, in particular, has the option to extend his contract for an extra year up to $62.2 million by summer, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the franchise. Meanwhile, younger players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are poised to assume larger roles this season, with their potential extensions and looming free-agent status adding another layer of intrigue to the Warriors' future planning.
Addressing changes within their coaching staff has been another focus of the offseason. The departures of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic have led to the recruitment of Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts is recognized for his offensive expertise, while Stackhouse brings a strong defensive acumen honed over five seasons as the head coach at Vanderbilt.
Amidst these changes, the commitment to building a competitive and cohesive team remains evident. "We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them," said General Manager Mike Dunleavy, reflecting the organization's confidence in their roster philosophy.
As they navigate this period of transition, the Warriors seem focused on sustaining their culture of excellence. Reflecting on the broader vision and challenges ahead, Stephen Curry remarked, "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."
Echoing this sentiment, a source from the front office noted the current situation is "actually really fun," underscoring an optimism that permeates the team's approach. The Warriors' journey through this offseason is defined by both strategic caution and a relentless drive to remain competitive, setting the stage for an intriguing upcoming season.