The Golden State Warriors' offseason moves, characterized by a lack of significant free agent signings or trades, have raised questions about the team's ability to contend for a championship during the twilight of Stephen Curry's career. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. expressed satisfaction with the team's summer, stating, "All in all, pleased with our offseason. We like this team."
Despite Dunleavy's assurances, the Warriors made no major additions, notably re-signing Draymond Green to a $28 million deal. The team also signed Yaxel Lendeborg and is expected to add a few more players to reach the roster limit of 15. Key players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are facing uncertain return timelines due to injuries that will likely extend into the season. Progress on an extension for Brandin Podziemski also remains stalled, although the team has expressed a desire to finalize a deal.
This quiet approach contrasts with the strategic moves of other prominent players in the league. LeBron James, after securing his fifth championship, reportedly made calculated decisions to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors, however, appear to be relying on their existing roster, which won 37 games last season and was eliminated in the play-in tournament.
Dunleavy acknowledged the team's challenges in the free agency market. "If people knew the cold calls I made offering a lot of stuff for players, I think they’d realize how hard we’re trying," he said. "We’re super aggressive." He indicated that many of the players they pursued were ultimately not moved by their respective teams. Golden State reportedly missed out on targeting players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and was not actively pursuing players such as Jalen Brown.
The team's strategy also involves managing the health of its veteran core. The re-signings of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, who combined for only 60 games last season, are seen as significant risks. Curry himself, despite still performing at a high level, is not immune to health concerns. He played only 43 games last year due to a "delicate" knee issue that requires careful management.
"We had to make a decision between talent and availability," Dunleavy explained. "There was no perfect solution in terms of the combination of the two. I think we leaned a little more toward talent… and hope that we can get some good luck, but also improving some areas medically."
Despite the perceived limitations of the current roster, Dunleavy expressed confidence in the team's potential. "I see a path to a championship with the roster as currently constructed," he stated, adding, "We need to get healthy. We need to stay healthy. And then we need to evaluate and see where we’re at. And if we need to get better, I know we can get better."
Dunleavy suggested the Warriors would remain active in seeking roster improvements throughout the season. Curry is entering the final year of his contract, with a salary of $62.8 million. Dunleavy anticipates a contract extension will be agreed upon before Curry becomes eligible later this month, expressing confidence that Curry will finish his career with the team. "But ultimately that’s his call, his decision," Dunleavy conceded. "If he comes to me and wants to be moved, Joe [Lacob] and I will talk it through. We wouldn’t love it, but he’s earned the right to be where he wants and do those things."