SACRAMENTO – After their playoff hopes ended sooner than expected, the Warriors are entering perhaps their most important offseason since the Steve Kerr era began nearly a decade ago.
Owner Joe Lacob, general manager Mike Dunleavy and Kerr face a number of legitimate and vital questions that will go a long way in determining the future of the franchise.
Obviously the most important decision is whether to bring back five-time All-Star Klay Thompson. Klay Thompson's contract with the Dubs officially ended after the team lost 118-94 in the play-in portion on Tuesday. NBA postseason.
All signs point to the deal needing to be completed. Thompson has previously stated his desire to remain with the only NBA team that is a good fit for him, but Kerr and several of Thompson's teammates have expressed a unanimous desire to have him back. Ta.
Coach Kerr won't rush to address everything, but these aren't the only issues Golden State will have to deal with before next season.
“It's too early to think about it,” Kerr told reporters at Golden 1 Center after the loss to the Kings. “There's a lot of investment and a lot of things that happen in a season. We've had great players here and we've been able to go to championships and finals many times.
“This is life. This is how life works. You can't stay on top forever.
“What happens this summer and next year is something we'll worry about later on. Right now, I just think about the players on the team and how dedicated they've been this year, what they've had. I think about the effort they put in to connect and at least put us in a position to have a chance. We obviously didn't do enough.”
Immediately following the Thompson conversation will be whether the Warriors keep Chris Paul or let the veteran point guard go. Paul, a 12-time All-Star and almost certain future Hall of Famer who turns 39 next month, is scheduled for a non-guaranteed $30 million transfer next year.
“I hope and pray that he comes back and that I come back,” Draymond Green said. “It was an honor to have him as a teammate. He loves going to war with guys like that.”
Other players on the roster may or may not return next season.
Gary Payton II has a player option for next season, and Dario Saric is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
Sometimes the team makes decisions with Green. Green is already under contract, but he was suspended twice by the NBA this season and received counseling while out.
Are the Warriors going to stick with Green despite the baggage he brings, or will they decide it's time to take the next step?
Kerr also faces decisions he must make from a coaching standpoint.
It's clear that the Big Three of Thompson, Green, and Stephen Curry are in the latter stages of their Hall of Fame careers. The Warriors spent part of the 2023-24 season integrating young players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podzemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis into the team, so it remains to be seen how much their individual roles will increase next season. That would be interesting.
“We had a lot of questions for BP, but Trayce (and) JK took another big step in the right direction,” Curry said. “Hopefully they instill confidence that they can contribute and we want to carry that momentum into the summer. We've certainly found some gems. We'll just continue to make the necessary adjustments. ”
One thing almost everyone agrees on is that the Warriors have to do something to stay competitive in the rough and rugged Western Conference.
Although Golden State finished the regular season with two more wins than last season, it fell from sixth place and a guaranteed playoff spot to play-in status this year.
“We're in the offseason and there's certainly a lot to think about,” Kerr said. “Every year we lose players and we bring in new players. We know there's going to be changes every year and that's part of the business, but it doesn't make it easier.”
Golden State does not have a first-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. The Warriors' only pick is late in the second round.
The team will also have to decide how active they want to be in free agency, an area that could address some of the more pressing concerns the Dubs have.
No matter what happens, Curry is confident the Warriors will be a legitimate contender again in 2024-25.
“It's definitely frustrating and disappointing to say the least,” Curry said. “But I hold my head high because I know there's more in the tank. For me personally, that's the mindset.
“Obviously I understand that the league is changing and my career is getting deeper. I have to continue to evolve and make the necessary adjustments to win games.”
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast
