Tag: Warriors news

LeBron James details Draymond Green’s importance to Warriors

LeBron James explained why Draymond Green is such a vital part of the Golden State Warriors roster construction.

Draymond Green has helped lead the Golden State Warriors to four championships. He is considered a generational defensive talent who is arguably the best defender of his era. However, due to Green’s style of play, his impact is often overlooked by NBA fans who don’t tune into every Warriors game. What Green provides isn’t always reflected in the box score.

During a recent episode of LeBron James and JJ Redick’s “Mind The Game” podcast, LeBron detailed the value Green provides to his team. He also noted how his presence helps open the floor for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Draymond Green’s biggest asset, offensively for Golden State is his ability to get Steph open, Klay open and then play in the pocket,” LeBron said. “Where his asset is four-on-three and now his IQ kicks in. That’s the threat.”

Green is one of the most cerebral players in the NBA. His ability to read his opponents’ movements and make decisions at speed is what makes him such a vital part of the Warriors offensive and defensive rotation.

Green signed a four-year $100 million contract extension last summer. He has three years remaining on that deal and undoubtedly hopes to help Golden State contend for more championships in the coming years.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Brandin Podziemski tipped to make All-Rookie first team

The Golden State Warriors rookie is being tipped to make the 2024 All-Rookie first team.

Brandin Podziemski was a bright spot in the Golden State Warriors‘ season. The rookie has impressed with his veteran-like approach, scoring and rebounding ability. He quickly became a core part of Steve Kerr’s roster and played some stretches with the starting unit.

After such an impressive debut season, Podziemski is being tipped to earn a spot in the 2024 All-Rookie first team. Speaking to “Give Me Sport,” Mark Medina shared his reasoning why Podziemski could make the prestigious first team and how he would slot right into that All-Rookie lineup.

“I don’t think there’s really any debate,” Medina said. “Victor Wembanyama’s a big, same with Chet Holmgren. Brandon Miller’s a forward. So, he’s slotted in to get that All-Rookie first team, and he has backed it up with his play. … He was second among his rookie class in plus-minus just behind Chet Holmgren, and when you’re looking at what he did with the Warriors, 61 steals, second behind Chris Paul. He led the team in charges as well, and that shows his defensive acumen.”

Podziemski has a bright future with the Warriors. He’s going to continue improving. His dedication and veteran mindset should allow him to navigate the inevitable slumps he will experience. He is also expected to work hard during the summer to improve his all-around game.

In 74 regular-season games, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range.  His sophomore season will certainly come with challenges, but after such a strong debut year, there will be hope he can prove himself as a building block for the future.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Would Klay Thompson be a good fit on the Orlando Magic?

Klay Thompson could struggle to be an impact addition for the Orlando Magic, if he chooses to leave the Golden State Warriors.

Klay Thomspon is entering unrestricted free agency. The Golden State Warriors are expected to extend a contract offer during the summer. However, Thompson may leave the Bay Area in search of another big payday and a bigger role on a team that needs a veteran presence.

The Orlando Magic are widely viewed as potential suitors for Thompson. Adding a sharpshooting veteran would plug a major hole in their roster construction. However, former Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons doesn’t believe Thompson and Orlando would be the right fit.

“I don’t love it,” Parsons said. “I think they have the opportunity to force Golden State’s hand and force them to pay him more than they want to do. … I’d rather see them go get a Brandon Ingram. I’d rather see them go get a Paul George. A go-to guy on most nights. I don’t know if Klay Thompson can be a No. 1 guy on a lot of nights anymore.”

Thompson isn’t the All-Star talent he once was. Instead, he’s a reliable high-end role player who can be trusted to hit his shots, defend at a high level and make smart decisions under pressure.

The Magic don’t need a go-to scorer. They have Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero for that. Thompson would be tasked with being a floor spacer and tertiary threat. Nevertheless, if the Magic cool their interest in Thompson, it should allow Golden State to keep one member of their veteran core for the foreseeable future.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Warriors could cut Klay Thompson’s salary in half for next contract

The Golden State Warriors may need to make some big changes to Klay Thompson’s next contract if they want to avoid the tax.

The Golden State Warriors head into the free agency period with questions surrounding Klay Thompson’s future with the franchise. The veteran sharpshooter will be an unrestricted free agent. He will undoubtedly have interest from other teams around the NBA. Golden State’s desire to cut its tax bill may impact how much they will pay Thompson to keep him around.

According to Spotrac’s NBA cap expert, Keith Smith, the Warriors could look to slice Thompson’s salary in half. This season, he earned $43.2 million. He will be entering his age-34 season later this year and is no longer the All-Star he once was, although he is still a high-level role player.

“Golden State needs to be firm here,” Smith wrote. “Thompson made $43.2 million last year. Ideally, the Warriors would cut that figure in half. Something in the range of $20-$22 million feels fair. You’re acknowledging and paying for everything Thompson has meant to the franchise, while also acknowledging he’s a lessened, but still valuable player … at the right price. … The far more important matter is the number of years that Golden State locks into for Thompson. This needs to be year-to-year territory now, and if it’s a two-year deal, the second season has to be something the team has control over.”

Thompson may have bigger deals from other teams around the NBA. He may also have opportunities for a bigger role within a team’s rotation. However, if he wishes to remain in the Bay Area and fight for titles alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, he may need to make some sacrifices.

Having previously stated his desire to retire with the franchise, Thompson could have some tough decisions to make in the coming months, which could alter how the Warriors roster looks heading into next season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1471 tag=1365]

Warriors could opt to waive Chris Paul during the summer

The Golden State Warriors will likely waive Chris Paul during the offseason.

Chris Paul has one year remaining on his four-year $120 million deal. However, that final year is non-guaranteed. Paul could enter the free agency market this season with the Golden State Warriors reportedly looking to duck under the luxury tax. However, for that to happen, the Warriors must waive the final year of his deal.

In a recent article for Spotrac, NBA cap expert Keith Smith shared his thoughts on why waiving Paul is the most prudent approach for the Warriors. He noted how that approach would have differed if they were still genuine championship contenders.

“The easiest of the Warriors hard decisions seems to be waiving Chris Paul. Paul has a $30 million contract for next season. If Golden State was still competing for titles, the prudent strategy would be to guarantee Paul’s deal and to use that $30 million as salary-matching in a trade,” Smith wrote. “Given that the Warriors are resetting, it’s best to waive Paul to begin cutting salary. Paul was by no means a bad player last season. He can still run an offense with the best of them. He can still knock down open shots. But the defense has slipped, and creating his own offense is almost non-existent now. That’s not something anyone is going to pay $30 million for.”

Paul will undoubtedly have multiple teams interested in his services. Despite being in the final stages of his career, he’s still a reliable veteran who can play at a high level, either as a starter or coming off the bench.

Nevertheless, the Warriors must make decisions to help ease their payroll crunch in the coming years. Unfortunately, Paul’s contract makes him a logical player to cut. Then, the front office must find a new backup ball-handler for next season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1471 tag=446598056]

27-year NBA head coach shares thoughts on Klay Thompson’s free agency

George Karl discussed Klay Thompson’s impending free agency and which team could be a potential destination for him.

Klay Thompson is heading into unrestricted free agency. His future remains a hot topic of discussion among the Golden State Warriors fan base and media. The veteran sharpshooter endured an inconsistent season for Steve Kerr’s roster but figured things out down the stretch.

During a recent interview with “Scoop B” Robinson on the “Scoop B Radio Podcast,” George Karl, a 27-year veteran head coach, shared his thoughts on Thompson’s contract situation with the Warriors. He noted how he would likely have split up the Steph Curry and Thompson partnership before now.

However, Karl conceded he believed the Warriors should offer him a team-friendly deal. If that wasn’t enough, they should let their four-time champion leave. 

“I would have probably made that decision to break them up a little earlier than now,” Karl said. “Would I give him an extension? I would try to work on an extension with him that would be team-friendly and hopefully make him happy. But if he wants to go out and get the bigger dollar, I might let him go.”

The Warriors are widely expected to offer Thompson an extension. However, there’s no guarantee he will re-sign with the franchise. A lot will likely depend on the role Thompson is being offered and what he envisions for himself in the final years of his career.

Karl did note that the Orlando Magic would be a logical landing spot for Thompson should he decide to leave the Bay Area.

“Orlando needs someone that can make a shot! … Now I don’t know if he’s able to help you as an All-Star but he might help you as a veteran and pro that can come off the bench and light it up.”

Warriors fans will not need to wait much longer to learn what Thompson’s next move will be. Golden State will likely extend its offer as soon as the free agency period opens. From there, the ball will be in the veteran sharpshooter’s court. Fortunately for the Warriors, he’s consistently cited his desire to remain in the Bay Area and retire as a one-team player.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Why Charles Barkley would choose Isiah Thomas over Steph Curry

Charles Barkley would choose Isiah Thomas over Steph Curry.

Steph Curry is arguably the greatest point guard in history. The Golden State Warriors superstar has consistently proven himself on the biggest stages and is the best shooter the league has ever seen.

However, Charles Barkley still believes there are certain situations former star guard Isiah Thomas would be more important on the floor.

Barkley’s comments came during a recent episode of “The Dan Patrick Show.” He discussed the difference between the two guards before noting he would choose Thomas if he was forced to select between the two elite ball-handlers.

“I got nothing but respect for Isiah because like I said, he’s the best little (player) until Steph Curry came along, and I’ll be honest with you, if I was in a game, if I had to choose — and I love Steph Curry and I know people gonna go on the internet because they ain’t got no life — if I had to choose between Steph Curry and Isiah, I’d probably go with Isiah in a scenario,” Barkley said. “But I love Steph, I love Isiah. But if I had one guy, if I had to choose between those two, I’m not gonna ever choose against Isiah.”

Of course, Barkley’s comments are his opinion. Others would likely choose Curry due to his experience. Nevertheless, it’s fair to say both guards are some of the best ever to grace the hardwood, and a team would be lucky to have either of them in their prime.

Thomas played in 979 NBA games between 1981 and 1994. He ended his career with averages of 19.2 points, 9.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds, shooting 45.2% from the field and 29% from 3-point range.

You can watch Barkley’s discussion regarding the star guards by clicking on the embedded link above.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Draymond Green shares thoughts on Patrick Beverley’s antics

Draymond Green shared his thoughts on Patrick Beverley’s altercation with an Indiana Pacers fan.

Draymond Green shared his thoughts on Patrick Beverley’s altercation with Indiana Pacers fans. Beverley threw a ball into the stands as the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors veteran noted how Beverley is building a pattern after playoff losses, noting how he pushed Chris Paul in the back one years.

During a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the veteran forward shared his thoughts on Beverley’s actions and whether he will face punishment from the league. Green noted how clashing with opposing teams’ fans in the way Beverley did is “forbidden” for NBA players.

“Pat Bev threw a ball at a fan last night,” Green said. “Pat keeps having these instances after they lose in these playoff games. That one might be crazier than the CP push. Because it opens up an entirely different can of words. Adam’s going to have a problem with this one. It’s probably as close as you can get to going into the stands.”

Green has dealt with his fair share of issues this season. He served two suspensions and was ejected on three occasions. As such, he will understand the protocols the league will likely go through as it decides how to punish Beverley.

Since the Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs, Green has increased the frequency of his podcasts, sharing his thoughts and analysis of the playoff games happening around the NBA.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1471 tag=1421]

DeMar DeRozan could be a logical target for the Warriors

The Chicago Bulls forward could be a target for the Warriors during the offseason.

The Golden State Warriors have some decisions to make. The front office is expected to make changes during the offseason. The aim is likely to give Steph Curry the best chance at adding another championship to his resume. However, Steve Kerr’s team is also filled with young talent.

As such, the Warriors must decide between adding another veteran star or a younger player who can bridge the gap between the two timelines within the team’s roster. Should Golden State opt toward adding another veteran ahead of the new season, The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II has listed DeMar DeRozan as a logical target.

“Approaching 35 and would be good for the Warriors for similar reasons — a clear upgrade as an offensive cog,” Thompson reasoned. “His midrange game and isolation ability would add a new wrinkle to the Warriors offense. He’d thrive at the end of games while teams focus on smothering Curry. He doesn’t help much defensively, though, and hasn’t historically done much off the ball.”

DeRozan will be a free agent this summer. The Warriors would likely look to acquire him via a sign-and-trade. DeRozan would give Golden State a mid-range weapon who can create his own shot and has proven to be a reliable playmaker when called upon. He could thrive given the spacing on Kerr’s roster.

The move would also make sense for DeRozan: It would give him an opportunity to potentially contend for a championship. However, given his production for the Chicago Bulls this season, Golden State would undoubtedly face some competition for him during free agency.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]

Brian Windhorst dismisses LeBron James to Warriors narrative

ESPN’s NBA Insider doesn’t believe the Golden State Warriors will make a play for LeBron James this summer.

The Golden State Warriors are expected to be active during the offseason. An inconsistent season followed by an early exit in the play-in tournament has raised questions over the franchise’s ability to continue competing for a championship. As such, LeBron James’ name has been floated as a potential free-agent target should he choose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reminded the world that the salary cap would likely close the door on any potential Steph Curry/LeBron team-up. The insider joked that a potential pairing of the two stars is “fantasyland.”

“LeBron’s contract for next year for the Lakers, if he opts in, calls for $51 million,” Windhorst said. “If he opts, he is looking for contracts in that range. The Warriors have nothing like that. … Remember $50 million per year, multiple years, the Lakers can give him. The idea of LeBron going to another team for $10 million on the mid-level exception or, in the case of the tax-paying team, $6 million. … Before you enter fantasyland, don’t forget about the salary. Salary is important. I know LeBron has made a lot of money, (but) he wants to buy an NBA team. You don’t buy an NBA team leaving $50 million on the table.”

Joe Lacob has previously expressed his desire for the Warriors to avoid the tax apron this season. Adding a $50 million contract to the mix isn’t how you do that.

LeBron’s future is unknown. However, it’s safe to say it likely doesn’t reside in the Bay Area, no matter how much certain sections of the fan base wish it did.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1434 tag=1365]