Contract extension Warriors coach Steve Kerr signs The deal mirrored previous deals made by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green last February and sent a clear message about the immediate future.
The front office is confident that the trio can extend the Warriors’ so-called championship “opportunity” for another two seasons, when Kerr will be 60, Curry 38 and Green 36.
The Warriors know that this is pushing the boundaries of reasonableness, and they also know that as they build their roster on July 16, they are not going to be a top-four team in the unforgiving Western Conference.
That is why they Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.
Golden State’s core of CEO Joe Lacob, general manager Mike Dunleavy and Kerr have consistently voiced their commitment to prioritizing the next two seasons, also known as the “Curry window.”
This is fitting considering all that Steph has accomplished for the franchise.
“Obviously, that’s our No. 1 priority,” Dunleavy told reporters in Las Vegas last week. “You want to take advantage of that extra time in this league. And, of course, with Steph and Draymond still at a very high level, that’s important. So we have to make careful decisions to stay at this championship level, whether that’s the draft, trades, contracts, everything. That’s why we got Buddy (Hield) at the last minute. We paid the tax on that. We’re serious about winning. Joe’s not just talking about it, he’s doing it.”
“But the answer to the question about taking advantage of Steph’s prime is, yes, we’re looking to do that.”
But how far will the Warriors go?
Jazz coach Danny Ainge has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s savviest trade cheats. He lives to rob, and he wants to rob the Warriors.
And if the Warriors are as committed as they say they are to trying to acquire Curry, Ainge’s wish may come true.
Let’s be realistic. Markkanen is not for sale out of Utah, but he is the only impact talent available. He can average 20+ points and 8+ rebounds per game. His size (7-foot-7) and skill make him the player the Warriors dreamed of. He checks a lot of boxes, fills a lot of holes and, at 27, is entering a prime that will likely last well beyond the expiration of Curry, Green and maybe Kerr.
Ainge was joined by Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski – Three first-round draft picks the Warriors hired as their next generation of core players.
Ainge also wants multiple draft picks. He wants to dash Golden State’s hopes. and later.
The Warriors think this is a bit much. On paper, it is. They’re going to give up one of their young guys. Maybe two. Maybe three, at least for now. Walk away from the table.
Golden State, despite the additions of Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton, feels it doesn’t have the wherewithal to remain current and will need a reliable second scorer like Markkanen to reach a higher level.
“I’m always looking around the league, talking to teams and exploring things to get better,” Dunleavy said. “I like our team, but there are some things we can look at to improve and we’ll continue to do that as we head into camp and into the season.”
If the Warriors somehow get a deal done with Markkanen, it means they’re going all out — and willing to pay whatever the cost — and it’s Lauri or bust.
If the Warriors can’t get a deal done with Markkanen, they’re in — but only until the cost becomes prohibitive. It’s Lauri or they change course. Again.
There could be other veteran stars available in trades, but each comes with their own challenges: The Suns have said they plan to keep Kevin Durant, the Pacers have already re-signed Pascal Siakam, and the Timberwolves have said they plan to bring in Karl-Anthony Towns.
2nd Golden State Offseason Plan A: Paul GeorgeWith George zooming out of reach, the NBA had no choice but to turn to Markkanen. Acquiring George was always going to be difficult, as his team, the Los Angeles Clippers, would have to pitch in.
The Clippers passed on that opportunity, so Paul opted to become a free agent.
For the same reasons, it would be just as difficult for the Warriors to acquire Markkanen. The Jazz would have to be willing to make a reasonable deal. There are no signs of that happening, yet.
The coming days and weeks will determine how far the Warriors go to maximize their remaining opportunity to acquire Curry.
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