Faced with the dissolution of the celebrated "Splash Brothers" duo, the Golden State Warriors are navigating a transformative offseason. The moves being contemplated and executed aim to retool a roster capable of sustaining the franchise's competitive edge.
New Additions to the Roster
The Warriors have already secured guard De'Anthony Melton on a one-year, $12.8 million contract. This move could potentially provide a boost to the backcourt, considering Melton's defensive prowess and versatility. Additionally, the franchise is completing a sign-and-trade for forward Kyle Anderson, adding a multifaceted player known for his defensive skill set and playmaking abilities.
Pursuit of Buddy Hield
Moreover, the Warriors are eyeing sharpshooter Buddy Hield, exploring a sign-and-trade mechanism to bring the 31-year-old to San Francisco. Known for his three-point shooting accuracy, Hield would bring an additional perimeter threat to the squad, complementing the team's current offensive schematics.
Aggressive Chase for Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen has emerged as a prime target for the Warriors. The 27-year-old forward from the Utah Jazz is on their radar, especially after his commendable performance last season. Markkanen, who was an All-Star in 2023, averaged 24.5 points over the last two seasons with an impressive 63.6% true shooting percentage. His proficiency from beyond the arc, particularly his 41.4% catch-and-shoot three-point conversion rate, makes him an attractive asset.
However, acquiring Markkanen is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Adrian Wojnarowski noted that the Golden State Warriors are among the teams pursuing Markkanen after missing out on Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn. “Utah's not sure it wants to trade him, but they have to listen. They've been listening. And a lot of the teams who lost out on Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn have transferred over to trying to see if they can land Lauri Markkanen out of Utah. Golden State is one of those teams,” said Wojnarowski.
Chris Haynes further emphasized the challenging nature of landing Markkanen: “They are trying to do whatever they can to get into the fold, but it's going to be a costly price to get Lauri. The Utah Jazz, they don't necessarily want to trade Lauri, but they will for the right price tag.”
Competition in the Market
The Warriors find themselves in a highly competitive market, with several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans, also showing significant interest in Markkanen. Teams like the Houston Rockets, however, have decided to step back, as the price for acquiring him is deemed “exorbitant.” As Kelly Iko noted, “The Houston Rockets are not going after Markkanen because they think the price is 'exorbitant'."
The Jazz's demands for Markkanen mirror the substantial offer made by the New York Knicks for Mikal Bridges, which involved five first-round picks, four unprotected, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-rounder. Markkanen, who has a year left on his contract at $18 million, represents great value on the current deal. However, Utah has the cap space to increase his salary to $42.3 million for the 2023-24 season and could potentially offer an extension worth up to $202 million over four years.
Potential Trades in the Works
Andrew Wiggins' name has surfaced in trade talks, adding another layer of complexity to Golden State’s roster reshaping. The forward, known for his defensive capabilities and contribution to their previous championship runs, could be a significant piece in potential trade negotiations.
The Warriors' front office is engaged in a delicate balancing act as it formulates a new strategy for future success. The departure of a cornerstone player and the potential arrival of new talents signal a pivotal moment for the franchise. The coming weeks will likely be decisive in shaping the Warriors' roster and their prospects for the upcoming season.