SAN FRANCISCO – The first domino of the Warriors’ season fell last week, when Steve Kerr signed on to return as their head coach. Now, the real work can begin.
“We have a lot to figure out this summer,” Kerr said.
Steph Curry has expressed his desire to get the extension done. There is a mutual interest in locking up Brandyn Podzemski long-term. Draymond Green must decide whether to exercise his player option or seek a long-term deal with a lower annual number.
Then there’s the prospect of the No. 11 pick, a valuable asset in the loaded lottery that the team could use to insert some youth into an aging roster — or in a potential trade for another star to pair with Curry.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. hasn’t ruled out the possibility of going big game hunting.
“In terms of business acquisition stuff, I mean we’re probably always in the conversation, frankly, because we have the venture capital,” Dunleavy said. “If there are offers to come forward, come back or exchange for a veteran player who can help us, we will definitely look at all of those things.”
It’s no secret that the Warriors sought to add Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard during the trade deadline this offseason. It has also been rumored to be a potential landing spot for LeBron James, should his eight-year run with the Lakers end.
However, there is more to consider than just star power when completing a roster built around a 38-year-old Curry. Dunleavy admitted they will already be “behind the eight ball” to start the season, while Jimmy Butler and Moses Muddy recover from injury.
“I think we had, for example, six players this year who either couldn’t play back-to-back or were under minutes restrictions a lot of times at the same time,” Kerr said. “We can’t do that again. It’s very difficult to build continuity. We need some younger players, for sure. We know that.”
The draft gives them a chance to do that, and Kerr said that with their shortcomings to start the season, especially on the wing, “that guy has to play” if they hold onto their pick.
Buttler and Moody are two of just five players contracted 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 Quentin Post will have the opportunity to receive offer sheets from other teams as restricted free agents.
Golden State also has three assistant coach vacancies, including the top two chairs on the bench following the departures of Chris DeMarco, Jerry Stackhouse and Terry Stotts.
Dunleavy said he’s optimistic about a reunion with Porzingis and Horford, who “adds…[ed] An element in our team that we didn’t have in the past. Horford, 39, must decide whether he wants to keep playing, in Golden State or elsewhere, while Porzingis may have to weigh the value of the Warriors’ coaching staff against more lucrative offers from other teams.
As for Green, whose player option will pay him $27.7 million, “the ball is in his court,” Dunleavy said. “We’ve had discussions where we want him to finish his career as a fighter. He feels the same way. I expect him to come back, but that’s his call.”
The Warriors didn’t give Jonathan Kuminga the contract he wanted before restricting free agency, straining a relationship that reached a breaking point at this season’s trade deadline.
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 for him,” the general manager said. “I hope we can reach a contract agreement before the start of next season.”
Another extension would take priority: an extension for Curry, who will make $62.6 million this season but does not have a contract beyond that. Curry said he hopes to play for “several” more years, and Kerr’s contract now extends one year beyond Curry’s current commitment.
“I’m sure those conversations will happen,” Dunleavy said. “You can predict where they’re going to go. I don’t see any scenario where we don’t want to find a way to make it end here.”