Not many Warrior fans expected their season to be over so quickly. After a strong end to the regular season, including wins in 10 of their last 12 games, it appeared the veteran squad was prepped for another lengthy postseason run. Instead, they were blitzed by the Kings in Sacramento and couldn’t even advance past the first round of the play-in tournament. What’s next for Stephen Curry and crew? We can expect some major changes, and here are five moves the team must make to return to contention:
1. Offer Pending Free Agent Klay Thompson A Modest Contract
It’s been a bumpy year for the five-time All-Star. Thompson sputtered out of the gates this season but eventually caught fire from the field over the last four weeks. Unfortunately, he was extinguished in one of the worst performances in a do-or-die game in recent memory. Thompson shot 0-for-10 (0-for-6 from three) and was held scoreless in the loss to the Kings. The 34-year-old has battled back from a couple of major injuries, but he’s shrunk on the biggest stage. Last year, he went 9-for-42 in Golden State’s final three playoff games against the Lakers.
During the summer, it was reported that Thompson was offered a two-year extension worth $48 million from the Warriors — but he turned it down. The same reports indicated that Thompson was seeking a max-level extension worth over $200 million. It seems unlikely any team would hand over such a lucrative contract to a declining player in his mid-30s. The Warriors may even be able to sign Thompson for an ever lower number than they originally offered. If he’s serious about ending his career next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, he’ll ink a more team-friendly deal. If not, the team should be willing to part ways with the longtime Warrior.
2. Build Around Stephen Curry
This one seems obvious, but Golden State’s team-building process hasn’t always aligned perfectly around its superstar. One of the more notable instances of the Warriors not building around Stephen Curry properly was in the 2020 NBA Draft. No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman may have been the “best available player”, but he stuck out like a sore thumb as soon as he took the floor for the Warriors. Far too many times has this franchise failed to capitalize on opportunities to bolster Curry’s supporting cast. Curry remains one of the most potent offensive players in the league and just polished off another All-NBA season at 36 years old.
Acquiring more shooters with length would be a great starting point. Curry’s never been a great individual defender, though he’s strong positionally and finds ways to chip in on the boards and disrupt passing lanes. Surrounding him with other players who aren’t good defensively handicaps the team on that end of the floor. This roster just has too many small guards who are at a major disadvantage on the defensive end, bringing us to our next point of emphasis…
3. Say Goodbye To Chris Paul
Chris Paul certainly had his moments this year as a Warrior. His passing ability, IQ and vision off the bench is something this team has severely lacked in recent years. While his scoring output has dipped, Paul remains one of the smartest players in the league and occasionally lit it up from the mid-range. Still, it’s clear he’s not a fit on this team. Closing groups that featured Paul just didn’t have the size or athleticism to field even a below-average defense.
To no fault of his own, Golden State’s window virtually closed when it acquired Paul. While former Warrior Jordan Poole has his warts as a player, he operated as the team’s only legitimate shot-creator outside of Stephen Curry. The Warriors lacked any sort of extra dimension to their attack this year. It’s unclear if Paul could fetch anything in a trade, but his contract isn’t guaranteed for the 2024-25 season. If the Warriors are unable to find a suitor, they could cut ties and wipe Paul’s $30 million salary off the books.
4. Test The Trade Market For Young Core
In terms of adding to this team, the Warriors will have to be willing to part ways with a couple of their young players. Last year’s draftees, Brandon Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, are likely more valuable to the Warriors than any other team — making it reasonably likely that both stay on board for next season. Moses Moody has flashed as a two-way player, and we want to see him get more playing time next season.
The most likely candidate to be shipped is former No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga. The 21-year-old notched a career-high 16.1 PPG and showed some nice tools as a scorer. However, he’s not a great overall fit with this team. Kuminga isn’t a good outside shooter or an impact defender. Don’t be surprised if they dangle him in trade talks to try and acquire another 3-and-D wing or a stretch big who can protect the rim.
5. Fire Steve Kerr
All good things must come to an end. Steve Kerr was the coach for four NBA title teams and boasts one of the best winning percentages in league history. However, the last couple of years have been rough for the Warriors from a coaching standpoint. It all culminated in the crushing loss to the Kings. Players not getting back on defense, not defending with urgency, and making mental errors. More often than not, these sorts of mistakes fall on the coach. And, the Warriors have not operated with any sort of discipline on both ends of the floor for some time now.
Bringing in a fresh face who doesn’t have any sort of long-term attachment to the roster could be the best move to make. Kerr isn’t a bad coach, he just isn’t the right fit anymore. We’re expecting this team to look different across the board, and Kerr might be one of the first to go.