This season, the Golden State Warriors didn’t have the best time. They chose to run it back again with Steph Curry and the gang. However, they ended their season with a record of 46-36 in 10th place. They did have the chance to compete in the play-in, but they were eliminated by the Sacramento Kings.
This loss was a massive disappointment for a franchise that just won the title in 2022 against the Boston Celtics. The season before that, in 2023, the Warriors made it to the Western Conference Semifinals, but they were stopped by the Los Angeles Lakers in a six-game series.
Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson Situation
Klay Thompson has been a part of the Golden State Warriors team since 2011, when he was drafted by them as the 11th overall. Since then, Thompson has helped the team win four rings. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, Thompson was averaging 20+ points per game and has been a major contributor to the team’s success. However, a dropoff was witnessed this season when Thompson had the worst points per game average he has ever had, 17.9, since 2012-13. In the play-in game against Sacramento, Thompson had zero points in 32 minutes.
This season, half of the splash bros could be hitting free agency, and it isn’t Steph Curry. Expect Thompson to target teams that need a scoring presence. His numbers dipped, but he still brings a lot to the table. He’s a strong veteran presence and could be helpful to teams that are trying to contend. One example would be the Philadelphia 76ers, as Tobias Harris will probably be packing his bags soon. Another team that might pick up the forward is the Orlando Magic, who will probably be strong contenders for years to come and could benefit from an experienced player.
The Jimmy Butler Move
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler have yet to come to a contract agreement. After Butler’s injury, which contributed to the Heat losing in the playoffs, there seems to be a bit of a stalemate going on. Also, Pat Riley, President of the organization, wasn’t happy with some of the comments made by the forward during and after the playoffs, which could mean they are looking to part ways with him.
Butler could be a great addition to the Golden State Warriors roster. He’s an intense player who is known for showing up in big moments, something GSW could have used in that play-in loss. He averaged 20.8 points per game this season. The issue with this trade is the Warriors would most likely have to trade away some of its future. It will take some enticing young players to get Miami to bite. If the Warriors do this, it means they want a ring now and will have to scramble to rebuild their young core once the Steph Curry era has passed.
The Run it Back Play
After the season they had, this is the least likely course of action. They attempted this after their 2022 win, and it hasn’t worked now for two seasons in a row. They tried to revamp things by trading Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, but that also failed. The team knows it’s time for some change. If they were to run it back with the same squad, we’d most likely see a similar outcome. Chances are, they wouldn’t even make the play-in next time, as the Houston Rockets could be set to surpass them next season.
The West is a dangerous conference. With young players gearing up to try and get their first ring, the Warriors will be left in the dust. I fully expect them to take a swing at a big time player in hopes of getting Steph Curry one last ring.
About the Author
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all thing’s sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys professional wrestling, soccer, and baseball. She also loves writing about anything ranging from sports articles, short stories, and poems. She hopes to one day write her own sci-fi series and adventure series. You can find her on X @edellapiana1 to check out more content.
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