As Steph Curry enters the twilight of his illustrious career, questions are swirling about whether the Golden State Warriors are making the right moves to maximize their superstar’s remaining years. The recent decision not to trade for Lauri Markkanen, a proven All-Star, has sparked concerns that the Warriors might be squandering the last opportunities to build a championship-caliber team around Curry.

 

 

Missed Opportunity with Lauri Markkanen

The Warriors had the chance to acquire Lauri Markkanen, the 2023 All-Star and Most Improved Player, but the deal fell through because the Warriors refused to include key young players like Jonathan Kaminga in the trade. While the front office’s decision to hold onto unproven talent may be seen as a long-term strategy, it raises immediate concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

 

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Betting on Unproven Talent

By keeping players like Kaminga and Pinski instead of securing a player of Markkanen’s caliber, the Warriors are gambling on potential rather than proven performance. Critics argue that this decision could signal the end of the Warriors’ championship aspirations, as the window for winning titles with Curry is rapidly closing. The reluctance to trade young assets for a player who could contribute immediately suggests that the team might be prioritizing the future over the present.

Roster Moves and Concerns

This offseason, the Warriors made some moves, including the loss of Klay Thompson and the additions of Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield. However, these changes have not convinced many that the team can remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference. The loss of a key player like Thompson, combined with the failure to land Markkanen, leaves the Warriors’ roster looking less formidable than in previous years.

Commitment to Winning or Planning for the Future?

Despite their public commitment to building a winning team around Curry, the Warriors’ actions suggest a different approach. Holding onto draft picks and young players instead of making aggressive trades could indicate that the team is more focused on future success rather than maximizing Curry’s current prime. This strategy may ultimately lead to missed opportunities and wasted potential in the final years of Curry’s career.

The Financial Future and Kaminga’s Demand

Adding to the complexity is Jonathan Kaminga’s demand for a max extension, which could further strain the Warriors’ financial flexibility. If Kaminga doesn’t meet expectations, the team could find itself in a difficult position, trying to maintain a competitive roster while managing salary cap challenges. With Steph Curry’s contract also up for renewal soon, the Warriors will need to carefully balance their finances to keep the team competitive.

Conclusion

As the 2024 season approaches, the Golden State Warriors face critical decisions that will determine the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years. The refusal to trade for Lauri Markkanen, coupled with the reliance on unproven talent, raises serious questions about whether the Warriors are truly committed to winning now or are more focused on rebuilding for the future. For a player like Steph Curry, who has given everything to the franchise, the team must ensure that they are not wasting the final, precious years of his career.