How To Fix The Golden State Warriors
The dynasty is seemingly over. The Golden State Warriors are uncomfortably placed as the 12th seed in the Western Conference. The Warriors have not had such a problematic start since 2020 and 2021 when they were transitioning from the departure of Kevin Durant. Klay Thompson was injured during these two years too which dampened their expectations. But with a soft reboot potentially starting at the trade deadline in February, the Warriors may be able to scratch and claw their way out of the hole they have dug.
Out With The Old And In With The New
As much as it pains fans to admit, Klay Thompson needs to be traded. The player who once scored 60 points on 11 dribbles can no longer provide the services that the team needs to be contenders. He is having a good season efficiency-wise but it averaging as many points as he did since his sophomore year. Thompson needs to be averaging in the mid-20-point range in order for the Warriors to be successful.
The problem is figuring out where to trade Thompson. He is on the last year of his deal making a whopping 43 million. A ton of teams are going to be reluctant to trade some of their serviceable assets for an aging star. The Warriors are going to have to trade some of their young assets in order to sweeten the pot. Teams like the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons are the perfect contenders for an imperfect star.
The Bulls need to trade Zach Lavine because he has not been playing and quite frankly look better without him. Klay Thompson and Dario Saric for Zach Lavine and Andre Drummond would give both teams just what they need to push their agendas. For the Warriors, they acquire a more consistent scoring punch next to Curry and also get an athletic big man to replace Kevon Looney who has regressed this season. The Bulls will get one year of Thompson who will be a complimentary addition next Derozan and most improved candidate Coby White. The Warriors will most likely have to add a first round pick or two to convince the Bulls to agree.
The Pistons are looking to add star power whilst also retaining cap flexibility. A two-for-one deal would include Thompson and a first-round pick or two for Bojan Bogdanovic and Joe Harris. This trade would bolster the Warriors' depth chart with two shooters and a playmaker in Bogdanovic. Harris is an expiring deal which would give the Warriors some room to sign some more pieces of depth in free agency or explore another avenue via the trade market.
Keep The Point God
Although he is injured with a broken right hand, Chris Paul needs to stay in the bay. When Paul was playing, he was setting up the Warrior`s bench with competent looks to score the ball. Paul is undoubtedly and obviously past the point of his prime, but he is just what the young players like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Brandin Podziemski need: a traditional veteran point guard to spoon-feed them to be serviceable.
Next year will be Paul`s last year on his deal where he will be making 30 million. The Warriors need to retain him for the remainder of this season so that they can maximize his value and give him more time to accumulate within the team. Rebuilding teams will be more accepting of acquiring Paul on his last year because the Warriors will attach picks or young players in the trade. Whichever team acquires him will benefit from Paul`s leadership, an intangible he has provided no matter his destination or role.
Move On From Kerr
Steve Kerr is one of the greatest coaches of the mid-2010`s but it is clear he is not the right fit for the younger players. The Warriors need to move on from at the end of this season but keep him in some kind of behind-the-scenes role like the Boston Celtics did with Brad Stevens. Although the options are slim right now, the Warriors would greatly benefit from an X`s and O`s or developmental coach. History has proven that there is no qualm in bringing in a rookie head coach who is lesser known to the league.
One Final Say
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a challenging position, struggling to recapture the glory of their past dynasty. The proposal to trade Klay Thompson, a beloved veteran but no longer a consistent scoring force, reflects the harsh reality of the NBA business. Exploring potential deals with teams like the Bulls and Pistons could provide the Warriors with an opportunity to infuse fresh talent and address their current shortcomings. The emphasis on retaining Chris Paul, despite his injury, underscores the importance of veteran leadership for the development of the team`s young talents.
Moreover, the suggestion to part ways with Coach Steve Kerr, a key figure in the Warriors` past success, signals a recognition of the need for a coaching change to better align with the team`s younger roster. While it`s acknowledged that Kerr has been instrumental in the team`s success during the mid-2010s, there is a need for a shift toward a coach more attuned to the developmental needs of emerging talent.
Crucially, amidst these proposed changes, it is essential to highlight the importance of keeping Curry and Green together as the pillars of the franchise. Their veteran presence, leadership, and on-court chemistry will be pivotal in steering the Warriors through their pseudo-rebuild-contending phase. By maintaining this core duo and making strategic moves, the Warriors aim not only to rebuild but also to position themselves for a final playoff push, showcasing a commitment to a brighter future while respecting the legacy of their championship years.
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