As underwhelming as last year’s offseason was for the Golden State Warriors, this year has arguably been worse. Despite being linked to star-caliber players earlier in the summer, the Warriors have made virtually zero new additions. With the team running out of time and options, there is every reason for fans to be unhappy.
But why have the Dubs looked so tentative? Given that these could be the last years of Stephen Curry‘s peak, it would seem reasonable for Golden State to capitalize on this opportunity. So why haven’t they? The answer, at least according to The Athletic’s Logan Murdock, seems to be Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
It comes as no surprise that Lacob has been responsible for some of the Warriors’ “questionable” decisions over the past few years. However, Murdock’s report on Lacob’s stance on Golden State’s future without Stephen Curry seemingly explains everything about the team’s current lack of direction. He wrote:
“This latest whiff continues a pattern that has defined the past few years under the watchful eye of team owner Joe Lacob. When Lacob purchased the Warriors in 2010, he surrounded himself with basketball luminaries to help steer the franchise.”
Murdock pointed to the additions of individuals such as Bob Myers, who helped set the foundation for the Warriors’ dynasty. With other prominent figures like Jerry West also playing a key advisory role, the Dubs only reaped the benefits. Now, with many of these insightful voices leaving, the Warriors’ front office appears rudderless.
“Part of Myers’s value was his ability to be the glue between different parts of the Warriors organization… Since Myers’s departure in 2023, Lacob has consolidated more power over personnel decisions, and his fear of what life after Steph will be like for the Warriors has been the biggest reason the team has opted not to exchange more future draft picks for immediate help.”
As Murdock mentioned, Bob Myers was arguably the most influential person in the Warriors’ front office. After effectively building the Warriors’ dynasty from the ground up, Myers left the team in 2023, leaving Golden State relatively weakened.
Under Joe Lacob’s leadership, the Warriors’ front office has not been as decisive, since hesitation and fear of parting with draft capital appear to be the driving forces. With virtually no new updates on roster moves, the team appears geared to run it back with last year’s squad, save for a few changes.
What Can The Warriors Expect From Their Roster?
Realistically, things do not look great for the Warriors. Although the franchise managed to bring back key players like Draymond Green, who recently signed a new deal, along with Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton, the Dubs haven’t made any upgrades.
Typically, this would not be an issue. But with players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, who are expected to be sidelined with injuries for a considerable period, the Dubs will enter the next season shorthanded.
So what can Golden State do?
According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears, there really isn’t much the Warriors can do but be patient. While speaking about the Dubs’ transactions on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs,” Spears shared:
“Think about what you have. You have expiring contracts… A tradable contract with Porzingis. Draymond’s got a tradable contract. Jimmy has a tradable contract. And you’re going to have teams that, I believe, at the trade deadline, might be willing to make major change… Maybe for Warriors fans, the best thing to do is to be patient and see what happens at the trade deadline.”
As Spears mentioned, the Warriors currently have some noteworthy expiring contracts, with Jimmy Butler’s $56.8 million deal garnering the most value. Recent reports indicate that the Warriors wish to retain Butler, but there is reason to believe that this could be conditional. Hence, a major move at the trade deadline could be plausible.
Such an approach may have merit, but if the Warriors remain hesitant to part with first-round picks, there isn’t much to be gained.
Stephen Curry is already 38, and while he remains elite, he is not capable of leading such a team to the Finals, especially in a highly competitive Western Conference. Given that Yaxel Lendeborg is the only noteworthy arrival this summer, Golden State does not inspire any confidence.
Still, all hope may not be lost. Stephen Curry is also in a contract year this season. Given that the superstar is due to sign a massive extension with the Dubs, rumblings are suggesting that Curry could leverage his contract to strong-arm the front office into making big moves.
Whether such an event will come to pass remains a subject for speculation. However, the current situation hints at serious internal strife in Golden State unless these matters are resolved.
