For the first time in over a decade, the Golden State Warriors will embark on an offseason without the familiar presence of Klay Thompson. The decorated guard, who has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success, recently signed with the Dallas Mavericks through a sign-and-trade deal in July, marking the end of an era for Golden State.
The Warriors still retain key figures such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr, maintaining a foundation built on experience and championships. However, the team faces a transformative offseason following a disappointing end to their last campaign, bowing out in the play-in tournament against the Sacramento Kings.
A Revamped Roster
To bolster their lineup, the Warriors have made significant additions, including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton. Hield, known for his scoring abilities, expressed his excitement about joining Golden State, saying, "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."
Additionally, the Warriors engaged in talks with the Utah Jazz concerning All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, negotiations hit an impasse due to Utah's high asking price, which included second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. Golden State ultimately deemed the deal unbalanced and halted discussions.
Strategic Management of Assets
The Warriors are acutely aware of the need to maintain depth while avoiding the burden of luxury tax penalties, a significant consideration given the $677 million in penalties they have incurred since the 2013-14 season. Parting ways with veteran Chris Paul before his $30 million contract became guaranteed was a strategic move to reposition the team under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold.
Golden State's cautious approach also extends to their handling of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Both players are anticipated to assume larger roles this season, with Kuminga’s potential future earnings projected to reach up to $224 million. General Manager Mike Dunleavy emphasized their value, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.” Kuminga and Moody are eligible for five-year extensions in October but could become unrestricted free agents if no deals are reached after the next season.
Changes in the Coaching Staff
The offseason has also seen shifts within the coaching staff. The departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the sad passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has led Golden State to recruit seasoned coaches Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts is recognized for his offensive prowess, while Stackhouse brings defensive expertise from his five-season tenure as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Building Towards the Future
Despite the significant changes and challenges, the Warriors maintain an optimistic outlook. Stephen Curry, whose influence within the organization remains substantial, reiterated his commitment to winning, asserting, "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."
The sentiment within the front office echoes Curry’s confidence, with one source describing the situation as "actually really fun." The organization remains focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability, ensuring that the team can continue to thrive without succumbing to the financial and strategic pitfalls that often accompany such high-level sports franchises.
As the Warriors prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of new players, strategic asset management, and coaching adjustments will be critical factors in their quest to return to championship contention. With seasoned leaders like Curry and Green guiding the way, and budding stars ready to step up, the next chapter of Golden State’s storied legacy promises to be as compelling as ever.