The Golden State Warriors enter the new season with a rather uncertain outlook. The last two seasons haven’t gone according to plan, with losses in the Western Conference Semifinals and missing the playoffs entirely. Major changes were necessary and as a result, a wild offseason has come to pass.
Perhaps the first indication of the turmoil was the time it took for a Klay Thompson negotiation. As a franchise icon, it felt inevitable that the two sides would agree on a deal. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass.
As we would find out, despite his best efforts to remain in the Bay, Thompson had to move out to the Dallas Mavericks. But, the Warriors weren’t done making moves. Letting Chris Paul go for nothing, their focus was instead on building out the depth around Stephen Curry. Names like Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and DeAnthony Melton made their way onto the roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
However, there is still work to be done to make Golden State a legitimate contender. Despite the acquisitions, the team doesn’t have a bonafide star outside of Curry. Through trades, they have made attempts at acquiring Lauri Markkanen, among others, but nothing has come to pass.
As it turns out, however, their first strikeout wasn’t with the Finnish superstar. Before rumors of their interest in Utah became apparent, their first priority was far closer to home. Due to the dispute between Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers, his departure was a virtual guarantee and became official early on in free agency. As we know, the Philadelphia 76ers and Daryl Morey swept in to secure his services. But it was not before Golden State made a pitch, including recruitment from their two-time MVP.
Stephen Curry made a pitch to Paul George
Paul George had a player option for the 2024-25 season with the Clippers. Before discussions derailed, there was a chance that the nine-time All-Star would pick up his option for a sign-and-trade. However, that didn’t come to pass as the two front offices couldn’t make a deal work.
For the Warriors, it was their reluctance to part ways with Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga that was ultimately their downfall. But, it wasn’t for a lack of trying to recruit the superstar. Even Steph was in on the ploy, making pitches to the former Indiana Pacer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Anthony Slater of the Athletic brought the scoop, reporting, “Curry was in on the recruitment of George. Mike Dunleavy keeps him in the loop on the options and ultimate personnel decisions. Curry hasn’t, team sources said, expressed any signs of panic or unrest. But there’s a choice of action or inaction in the coming months that’ll give a clearer hint about his long-term mindset.”
The long-term plans of course refer to the option Steph has this upcoming season. On top of his existing two years and $115.3 million, he can sign an additional year worth $62.6 million. But that decision will come in some time. “ He flew back from Paris a few days ago and plans to unplug from basketball-related business for a few weeks. So any contract conversation isn’t expected to take place in the near future, league sources said. It will be entirely on Curry’s preferred timeline. The deadline to extend is October 21st.“
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The future of the Golden State Warriors is clearly uncertain. And they have been missing out on major names all through free agency and in the trade market. Can they recuperate and make another title push?
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