Last week, in a move that sets the stage for an eventful offseason, the Golden State Warriors confirmed the return of Steve Kerr as head coach. This decision marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative period for the team.
Steve Kerr himself acknowledged the challenges and opportunities ahead, stating, “We have a lot to figure out this summer.” Indeed, the Warriors have several crucial matters to address as they look to reshape and strengthen their roster.
A key priority is addressing Steph Curry’s future with the team. Curry has made it clear that he is keen on negotiating a contract extension, indicating a shared interest in securing his leadership for the long haul. Simultaneously, the organization is eager to finalize a long-term deal with promising talent Brandin Podziemski.
Another pivotal decision lies with Draymond Green, who faces the choice of either exercising his player option or negotiating a new, potentially longer contract with a lower annual salary. Green’s decision will significantly impact the team’s financial and strategic planning.
Adding to the intrigue is the Warriors’ possession of the No. 11 pick in an upcoming draft that boasts a wealth of talent. This pick offers the team an enticing opportunity: they could either inject youthful energy into their seasoned roster or leverage it in a trade to secure another superstar to complement Curry’s prowess.
“As far as trade acquisition stuff, I mean, we’re probably always in the conversation, frankly, because we have the draft capital to be,” Dunleavy said. “If there’s offers to the pick to move up, move back, trade for a veteran player that could help us, we’ll definitely look at all that stuff.”
It’s no secret the Warriors sought to add Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard during this season’s trade deadline. They’ve also been rumored as a possible landing spot for LeBron James, should his eight-year run with the Lakers end.
However, there is more to consider than simply star power when supplementing a roster built around an age-38 Curry. They will already be “behind the eight ball” to begin the season, Dunleavy acknowledged, while Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody recover from injuries.
“I think we had, like, six guys this year who either couldn’t play back-to-backs or were on minutes restrictions often at the same time,” Kerr said. “We can’t do that again. It’s too hard to build continuity. We need some younger legs, for sure. We know that.”
The draft gives them a chance to do that, and Kerr said with their shortcomings to start the season, particularly on the wing, “that guy has to play” if they hold onto their pick.
Butler and Moody are two of only five players under contract for next season. Kristaps Porzingis, Gary Payton II and Seth Curry are unrestricted free agents, De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford also have player options, and Pat Spencer and Quinten Post will have the opportunity to receive offer sheets from other teams as restricted free agents.
Golden State also has three assistant coaching vacancies to fill, including the top two chairs on the bench following the departures of Chris DeMarco, Jerry Stackhouse and Terry Stotts.
Dunleavy said he is hopeful about reunions with Porzingis and Horford, who “add[ed] an element to our team that we haven’t had in the past.” Horford, 39, must decide if he wants to keep playing, in Golden State or elsewhere, while Porzingis may have to weigh the value of the Warriors’ training staff against more lucrative offers from other teams.
As for Green, whose player option would pay him $27.7 million, “the ball is in his court,” Dunleavy said. “We have had discussions where we want him to finish his career as a Warrior. He kind of feels the same way. I would expect him to be back, but it’s his call on that.”
The Warriors didn’t give Jonathan Kuminga the contract he wanted before restricted free agency, straining a relationship that hit its breaking point at the trade deadline this season.
With Podziemski, Dunleavy indicated the team is targeting a different outcome.
“It’s one of those situations where if you want a player back, it’s got to work for you and him,” the GM said. “Hopefully we can come to a contract agreement before the start of next season.”
Another extension will take priority: One for Curry, who will make $62.6 million this season but doesn’t have a contract beyond that. Curry said he hopes to play for “multiple” more years, and now Kerr’s contract extends a year beyond Curry’s current commitment.
“I’m sure those conversations will happen,” Dunleavy said. “You can predict where they’ll be going. I don’t see any scenario where we don’t want to figure out a way to have him finish here.”