As the Golden State Warriors navigate an offseason filled with shifts and significant decisions, the absence of guard Klay Thompson marks a notable turning point for the franchise. For the first time since 2011, the Warriors will enter a new NBA season without Thompson on their roster. His departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this July has left the team to recalibrate their strategy and roster dynamics.
Roster Reconfiguration
Despite Thompson’s exit, the core of the Warriors—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr—remains intact. The team has made strategic additions, including Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton, to bolster their lineup. Buddy Hield, known for his scoring ability, will be a key offensive asset as the Warriors fine-tune their new game plan. Hield expressed optimism about his fit with the team, 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."
Luxury Tax Maneuvers
The Warriors have also been meticulously planning to avoid hefty luxury tax penalties. By releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed, the team managed to maneuver below the daunting $178.7 million luxury tax threshold. This is a significant move given that the Warriors have incurred $677 million in penalties since the 2013-14 season. These financial considerations highlight the club's commitment to balancing a competitive roster while managing economic constraints efficiently.
Youthful Aspirations
Young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are set to take on larger roles. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October, with Kuminga's potential deal possibly reaching up to $224 million. If no extensions are signed, they could become unrestricted free agents after the next season. General Manager Mike Dunleavy emphasized the importance of these young players, stating, “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Furthermore, discussions about acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz showcase the Warriors' aggressive intent to strengthen their squad. However, these talks stalled due to the high asking price involving second-year guard and All-Rookie Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. The negotiations were paused as the Warriors deemed the potential deal unbalanced, underscoring their caution in parting with key assets without significant returns.
Coaching Changes
The offseason also brought changes to the coaching staff, with the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the sad passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. To fill these gaps, the Warriors have recruited Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse. Stotts brings a wealth of offensive knowledge, while Stackhouse, having honed his defensive acumen over five seasons at Vanderbilt, will provide the team with a strengthened tactical approach.
The Influence of Veterans
Curry and Green continue to wield significant influence within the organizational framework, lending their experience and leadership to guide the team through these transitions. Curry, who has until the summer to extend his contract for an extra year worth up to $62.2 million, remains a focal point of the team’s strategy and vision. Reflecting on the team's direction, Curry expressed his competitive spirit, 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."
Future Outlook
The departure of Klay Thompson marks the end of an era, but the Warriors are proactive in their strategies for maintaining their status as NBA contenders. The interplay of veteran leadership and emerging talent combined with shrewd financial maneuvering showcases a holistic approach to building a resilient team. As the new season approaches, the Warriors' blend of experienced stalwarts and energetic young players alike brings a cautious optimism to their camp. In the words of an optimistic front office source, the situation is "actually really fun."