The Golden State Warriors might have missed out on securing potential trades for Lauri Markkanen and Paul George, but the franchise remains optimistic about upgrading its roster in the near future. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors are still in a strong position to acquire another standout player via trade.
“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 on his Substack. “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”, told Bleacher Report.
The Warriors had engaged in discussions with both the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz, hoping to bring in George or Markkanen. However, despite extensive talks, it became clear that neither team was eager to finalize a deal with Golden State. “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.
With Klay Thompson’s departure, Golden State faces an uncertain future. The loss of Thompson, a key figure in their championship runs, leaves a significant gap in the roster that needs to be filled. However, it is evident that General Manager Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob are intent on pursuing another superstar to complement Stephen Curry. The team’s reported interest in LeBron James last season underscores their commitment to bringing in a high-caliber player.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Warriors must find a way to replace Thompson’s scoring and defensive prowess. Curry continues to perform at an elite level, but the team needs another legitimate scoring threat to maintain its competitive edge in the loaded Western Conference.
Stein highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for the franchise, particularly as they adjust to life without Thompson. “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.”
Despite these challenges, the Warriors still have the potential to make the playoffs, especially with Curry and Green leading the charge. However, unless one of the younger players steps up and matures into an All-Star talent, the team may struggle to advance in the highly competitive Western Conference.