One year removed from an NBA title, the Warriors were ousted in the West semifinals by the Lakers.
That loss triggered a summer of transition for the Warriors. General manager Bob Myers, who orchestrated four championships, stepped down from his role. Mike Dunleavy Jr. was promoted and now runs basketball operations for Golden State.
Defensive pillar Draymond Green declined a player option to enter free agency, and nobody was quite sure what the future held for the longtime Warrior. Green ultimately agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract to remain with the franchise.
Golden State then traded guard Jordan Poole to the Wizards and acquired longtime West rival Chris Paul, who had just been sent to D.C. as part of the trade that landed the Suns Bradley Beal. Now Paul will team up with Stephen Curry, Green and Klay Thompson, who is entering the final year of his five-year, $190 million contract. Paul is still seeking his first championship, and is hoping his addition will help Curry, Green and Thompson win their fifth.
With all this in mind, owner Joe Lacob spoke with The Mercury News about the future of the franchise, and has one goal for Curry, Thompson and Green as the trio moves to the later stages of their careers.
“Certainly we’d like Steph, Draymond and Klay to retire as Warriors,” Lacob said. That’s my goal, our goal, and I think it’s a good likelihood that’ll happen.”
Curry is still in the middle of his max deal that he signed in 2022, and Green is now locked up for the next four seasons, which leaves both Thompson and coach Steve Kerr, who is also entering the final year of his deal, as the priorities for Lacob and the Warriors.
After expressing optimism about an extension with Thompson, Lacob wasn’t concerned about losing Kerr either.
“We’ll have those discussions I’m sure soon,” Lacob said. “Steve loves being the coach of the Warriors. I love Steve, we love Steve and I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”
Golden State will once again be among the contenders in the West, as the franchise continues to move forward with a new look heading into the new season.
