The contract extension signed by Warriors coach Steve Kerr last February, lining up neatly with contracts previously signed by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, sent a clear message about the immediate future.
The front office believes that these three people can extend the Warriors’ proverbial championship “window” for two more seasons, at the end of which Kerr will be 60 years old, Curry will be 38 years old, and Green will be 36 years old.
Warriors know this pushes the limits of legality. They also know that their roster, as of July 16, does not rank among the top four teams in the unforgivable Western Conference.
That’s why they continue to explore the paths that will lead to Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.
Golden State’s main shot-callers – CEO Joe Lacob, general manager Mike Dunleavy and Kerr – have consistently expressed a commitment to making the next two seasons a priority. It is also known as the “Curry Window”.
It’s fitting considering what Steph has done for the franchise.
“It’s definitely top of mind,” Dunleavy told reporters in Las Vegas last week. “In this league, you want to take advantage of this deadline. And of course, Steph and Drummond are still at a really high level, that’s important. So, we have to be mindful in our decisions to remain at this championship level. That’s drafting, making trades, signings – all that stuff. At the last minute, that’s what Buddy (Hield) added. To do this we have gone to the tax office. We are serious about winning. Who is putting his money where his mouth is.”
“But to answer your question about Steph cashing in on Prime, yes, we’re going after it.”
But how far will the warriors go?
Jazz shot-caller Danny Ainge has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s shrewdest trade hustlers. He lives for robbery. He wants to plunder the warriors.
And if the Warriors are as committed to the Curry window as they say they are, Ainge may get his wish.
Let’s be real: Despite not being shopped by Utah, Markkanen is the only impressive talent known to be available. He’s good for more than 20 points and more than eight rebounds per game. His combination of size (7-feet) and skill is something the Warriors dream of. He checks a lot of boxes, fills a lot of voids and, at 27, has one foot in a prime that should last far longer than the expiration dates of Curry and Green and probably Kerr.
Ainge reportedly wants Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski — three first-round draft picks — to become the Warriors’ next generation fixtures.
Ainge also wants multiple draft picks. He now wants to dash Golden State’s hopes And Later
The warriors consider this to be too much. On paper, it is. They are willing to part with one of the youth. Maybe two. Three, at least for now, have been asked to step away from the table.
And even after bringing in Hield, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton, Golden State doesn’t feel thick enough to stay afloat. A reliable No. 2 scoring option like Markkanen is necessary to reach a higher level.
“You’re always looking around the league, talking to teams, looking for stuff 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 throughout camp and into the season.”
If the Warriors somehow get a deal done for Markkanen, that means they’re in. And they were willing to pay the price, no matter how high the price. It’s lorry or bust.
If the Warriors aren’t able to get a deal done for Markkanen, they’re in it — unless the cost becomes prohibitive. It’s the lorry or we’re the pivot. again.
There may be another veteran star available in the trade, but each will present a challenge. The Suns say they are keeping Kevin Durant. The Pacers have already re-signed Pascal Siakam. The Timberwolves say they’re riding with Karl-Anthony Towns.
With the second Golden State’s offseason Plan A, Paul George, out of reach, there was a pivot to Markkanen. Acquiring George was always going to be difficult because his team, the Los Angeles Clippers, would have to cooperate.
The Clippers passed up that opportunity, so Paul opted for free agency.
For that reason, it would be no less difficult for the Warriors to acquire Markkanen. The Jazz have to be willing to make a fair deal. There is no sign of this. As yet.
The next few days and weeks will determine how far the Warriors go to maximize what remains of the Curry window.
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