The Golden State Warriors, despite falling short in their off-season pursuits of stars like Lauri Markkanen and Paul George, remain in a strong position to make a significant roster upgrade, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. In his latest Substack report, Stein revealed that the Warriors are strategically planning for a potential trade within the next year, even as they navigate the uncertain future following the departure of Klay Thompson.
“Golden State is plotting its next moves in the wake of unsuccessful trade pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the offseason,” Stein reported. “Team officials believe they remain well-positioned for a trade upgrade at some point in the next year or so after responding to the free agent departure of Curry’s longtime backcourt mate Klay Thompson by acquiring Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton on short-term deals and retaining all of their draft picks.”
The Warriors’ off-season maneuvers suggest that the franchise is focused on maintaining flexibility and keeping its options open for a significant trade. Stein noted that the Warriors’ front office, led by Mike Dunleavy and Joe Lacob, is intent on acquiring another standout player, especially after the departure of Thompson left a significant gap in the team’s lineup.
“The distinct sense at Chase Center is that the Clippers and Jazz, despite no shortage of conversation with both teams, did not really want to do business with the Warriors,” Stein added, pointing to the challenges Golden State faced in securing a deal for either George or Markkanen.
With Steph Curry still performing at an elite level, the Warriors are acutely aware of the need to fill the void left by Thompson and find another legitimate scoring threat. The team’s current roster, while still competitive, may struggle to make significant progress in the increasingly loaded Western Conference unless one of their younger players develops into an All-Star caliber talent.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, uncertainty looms over the franchise. Stein highlighted the challenges ahead for Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr, who now face the reality of continuing without Thompson, a player they had hoped would never leave the organization.
“There are certainly challenges ahead. Curry, Draymond Green, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr have not yet been truly faced with the reality that Thompson is no longer part of the organization they all hoped he would never leave,” Stein wrote. “The hope now is that the golden summer Curry and Kerr have enjoyed together provides some lasting insulation into what could be a complicated winter (and maybe even spring) as Golden State continues to truly reshape itself.”
While the Warriors are expected to remain competitive and have the potential to make the playoffs, their ability to advance deep into the postseason will depend on their success in making a bold move on the trade market or the rapid development of their young talent.
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