The Golden State Warriors are entering a new chapter as they face the upcoming season without longtime guard Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal this July marks a significant shift for the Warriors, who are now tasked with reconfiguring their roster and strategy.
Golden State's Core Remains Intact
Despite the loss of Thompson, the Warriors retain the stability of core players such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the strategic oversight of coach Steve Kerr. This experienced trio aims to lead the team through a transitional period, underscored by a roster that has seen several new additions. Among the fresh faces are Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De'Anthony Melton—players expected to fill the void and bring new dynamics to the team.
Buddy Hield, known for his scoring ability, expressed his excitement about joining the squad, emphasizing the appeal of the Warriors' play style. "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,” Hield noted.
Rebuilding Amid Financial Constraints
The Warriors' front office has been meticulously navigating financial challenges, particularly in avoiding onerous luxury tax penalties. Notably, releasing Chris Paul before his $30 million deal became guaranteed has enabled the team to position itself under the $178.7 million luxury tax threshold—a significant move given the $677 million in penalties incurred since the 2013-14 season.
Golden State also explored trade possibilities to strengthen their roster, engaging in talks with the Utah Jazz regarding All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, these negotiations stalled due to the Jazz's high asking price, which included second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and multiple draft picks. The Warriors ultimately decided against the deal, considering it unbalanced.
Emphasis on Youth and Development
As the team aims to balance experience with youth, younger talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to play more prominent roles this season. Both players are eligible for five-year extensions in October and could become unrestricted free agents if extensions are not secured after the next season. Kuminga's potential deal could be notably lucrative, worth up to $224 million.
Warriors' new General Manager, Mike Dunleavy, underscored the franchise’s commitment to its younger players: “We want those guys here. We believe in them, we drafted them.”
Changes in Coaching Staff
The Warriors are also adapting to changes within their coaching ranks following the departure of Kenny Atkinson to Cleveland and the unfortunate passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic. In response, the team has brought in Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse, each bringing their unique expertise to the coaching staff. Stotts is particularly known for his offensive strategies, while Stackhouse brings a wealth of defensive acumen honed over five seasons as head coach at Vanderbilt.
Leadership and Long-term Prospects
Stephen Curry remains a central figure within the organization, wielding substantial influence both on and off the court. Curry, who has the option to extend his contract for an additional year worth up to $62.2 million, has made it clear that his priority is winning. Reflecting on the team's direction, Curry stated, "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.”
Within the front office, there's an optimistic outlook on the team’s evolution, with one source describing the situation as "actually really fun." This sentiment is likely driven by the blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, positioning the Warriors for a potentially transformative season.
As Golden State embarks on this new era, they will rely heavily on their tenured leaders while nurturing their future stars. This balance of experience and youth may very well define their success in the seasons to come.