Tag: Warriors news

Draymond Green lands in the top-25 for best players of the century

The Golden State Warriors veteran was included in ESPN’s “Top-25 players of the 21st Century.”

Draymond Green is entering his 13th NBA season. The Golden State Warriors veteran is still one of the best defensive players in the NBA and boasts an elite basketball IQ. When he’s on the court, the Warriors roster is better on both sides of the ball, as he helps organize his teammates and is a vocal leader.

In ESPN’s latest “Top-25 players of the 21st Century,” Green is ranked 22nd, sandwiched between Tony Parker in 21st and Russell Westbrook in 23rd. Both of those guards are Hall of Fame-level talents, which goes to show how impactful Green has been throughout his career.

“For as long as Curry has been the engine in Golden State, Green has been his second-in-command,” Kendra Andrews reasoned for ESPN. “The defensive anchor, his impact on the game is almost more noticeable when Green is off of the court and has propelled him to be a future hall-of-famer.”

Green is a four-time NBA champion. A four-time All-Star. The 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year. And, he’s and eight-time All-Defensive selection. He’s a generational talent on the defensive side of the ball, and has elite processing speed that allows him to read plays before they evolve.

There’s a reason Golden State has stuck by Green throughout his difficult spells, including his multiple suspensions last season. Nevertheless, if Green can stay out of trouble and remain healthy, he will undoubtedly have an impactful 2024-25 season for the Warriors.

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Steph Curry ranked in the top-3 for best players of the 21st Century

The Golden State Warriors superstar was ranked in the top-3 players for the 21st Century by ESPN.

Steph Curry is one of the most impactful players of his generation. The Golden State Warriors superstar helped usher in the three-point revolution and was a key cog in Steve Kerr’s pace and space system that altered how teams approached their team building. Curry is unquestionably the best shooter in league history. He’s also a four-time champion.

In ESPN’s latest “Top-25 players of the 21st Century,” Curry was ranked third, behind LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. That’s some elite company to keep, especially when looking back over the past 24 years of NBA basketball and thinking about all the exceptional talent that has graced the hardwood.

“Curry has changed the way basketball is played — at every level of the sport. Nowadays you’ll find kids in high school gyms going through the same pregame shooting routine Curry does,” ESPN’s Kendra Andrews reasoned. “And in the NBA, offenses are built around 3-point shooting like never before.”

Curry is currently in Paris with Team USA and will be gearing up for his Olympic debut when Kerr’s roster faces Serbia on Sunday, July 28. The veteran point guard will undoubtedly be hoping to help lead his country to a gold medal, which will be yet another success story in his illustrious career.

Once the Olympics are over, Curry will be tasked with helping Golden State bounce back from a tough 2023-24 season. Fortunately, for the Warriors, he’s the ideal star to build around, and he could have another impactful season with his team’s new-look roster.

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Warriors’ Draymond Green gives timeline on his retirement

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green discussed his potential retirement from the NBA during a recent podcast appearance.

Draymond Green is entering his 13th NBA season. The Golden State Warriors’ veteran forward was drafted with the 35th overall pick in 2012, and has established himself as one of the best defensive players in league history. He’s also a genuine leader for his team and has helped lead them to four championships.

However, Green, 34, understands that he’s in the final stage of his career. During a recent episode of the “Club 520 Podcast,” which is hosted by former NBA guard Jeff Teague, the veteran forward admitted that he may only spend another two years in the NBA before deciding to call time on his illustrious career.

“I’m on the wrong side of my down slide, like I’m headed into year 13,” Green said. “I probably got two more [seasons]. And so it’s important to start building for the next thing.”

Green has three more years remaining on his current four-year $100 million contract. The final year of that deal is a player option. However, it’s likely that he honors his commitment to Golden State before stepping away from the NBA. As such, given his comments, it’s fair to expect this to be Green’s last contract in the league.

While Green’s comments are new to Warriors fans, he has likely held similar conversations with the front office. Nevertheless, the current focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring Golden State bounces back from a tough season and can potentially contend for a championship during his final years with the team.

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Warriors’ Draymond Green claims he ‘killed’ mystery trade

The Golden State Warriors veteran claims he killed a potential trade after discussions with the front office.

Draymond Green is a veteran member of the Golden State Warriors roster. He has spent his entire career with the franchise, helping lead them to four championships during his tenure. As such, he likely has a respected voice when dealing with the front office despite his turbulent season.

During a recent appearance on the “Club 520 Podcast,” which is hosted by former NBA guard Jeff Teague, Green discussed his impact on ‘killing’ a potential trade the Warriors front office was considering. He noted how the deal would have helped Golden State in the short term but hindered its long-term outlook.

“We was just about to make some trades last week,” Green said. “And I told them straight up, ‘Yo, that trade help me. It’ll help me right now and my career these last couple of years and Steph. But I’ve always spoke to y’all from a place of what’s best for this organization. I won’t stop now. That’s a bad trade. Like, don’t do that trade. I disagree with it, although it’s going to help me right now.’”

Green doesn’t reveal what players would have been involved in the trade, nor what team’s players would have been coming from or getting sent to. Instead, his focus was on the importance of the Warriors keeping their future intact rather than risking everything to chase another ring in the short term.

Golden State has done a fine job of straddling two timelines in recent years and looks set to reap the rewards of their patience moving forward. If Green did have a say in killing a trade, and it means Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga are staying with the team, he’s already had an impact on the coming season.

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Are the Golden State Warriors overrating Jonathan Kuminga?

Is the Golden State Warriors forward overrated?

Jonathan Kuminga enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 season for the Golden State Warriors. He played in 74 games, starting 46 of them. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, which were all career highs for the third-year forward. As such, he projects to have an even bigger role within the rotation next season.

During a recent episode of “Hardwood Knocks,” Kuminga and his importance to the Warriors franchise were discussed while discussing the Lauri Markkanen trade rumors. Host Dan Favale shared his belief that Kuminga was “one of the most overrated players in the NBA.” However, Favale quickly added that he wasn’t insulting Kuminga with his assertion.

Kuminga’s name has recently been mentioned in trade rumors. The Utah Jazz have reportedly shown interest in sending Kuminga to Salt Lake City should the Warriors firm up their interest in a deal for Markkanen.

You can watch the full discussion on Golden State’s pursuit of Markkanen and Kuminga’s importance to the franchise by clicking on the embedded video above.

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Could Brandon Ingram be an alternative to Markkanen for the Warriors?

Brandon Ingram could be a smart trade target for the Golden State Warriors this summer.

Lauri Markkanen is reportedly the Golden State Warriors top trade target this summer. The Utah Jazz standout would provide size and shooting at a genuine position of need for Steve Kerr’s roster. However, it would appear Utah is playing hard ball in negotiations, with their front office pushing for multiple young players plus draft picks in return.

In a recent article from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, Brandon Ingram could make sense as a different trade target for the Warriors. The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly made him available for trade this summer, although he will be hitting free agency in the summer of 2025.

“Ingram plays a little more methodical than the Warriors, but they could each help the other,” Buckely reasoned. “Golden State’s system might coax never-before-seen efficiency out of Ingram, while his ability to create shots out of isolations would expand this squad’s offensive menu.”

Ingram would give Golden State a legitimate scoring threat on the wing, which can also defend at a high level and create for others when driving in the lane. He doesn’t, however, solve the team’s need for size in the middle of the court.
Furthermore, the addition of Kyle Anderson may reduce the need for another scoring wing. Nevertheless, Ingram’s availability does provide Mike Dunleavy Jr. with another trade option if the franchise’s pursuit of Markkanen doesn’t progress as desired.
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Former All-Star listed as smart free agent target for Warriors

Gordon Hayward could be a smart target for a veteran minimum contract offer from the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have been busy since the free agency period opened on June 30. However, the front office continues to be linked with a potential trade for Lauri Markkanen. Regardless of whether that deals comes to fruition, Golden State may wish to continue strengthening the bench unit, especially if they can find high-level veteran willing to take short-term deals.

According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, Gordon Hayward could be a smart addition for Kerr’s team. When healthy, the veteran forward is a genuine three-level scorer who can create for himself and others. Hayward would also slot straight into the team’s defensive system and would likely accept a veteran minimum contract.

“While there are arguments to be made for Golden State getting younger and more athletic, those traits are seldom found in the bargain bin,” Buckley reasoned. “What might still linger in the clearance section, though, is an overlooked veteran like Gordon Hayward. Yes, he has a frightening injury history behind him, and no, he’s nowhere near the player he was at his peak. Still, the veteran swingman offers a plug-and-play blend of awareness, instincts and the dribble-pass-shoot skill set required to have success in this system.”

Hayward isn’t the All-Star-level talent he was during his prime years with the Utah Jazz. He is, however, a genuine veteran who can add locker-room leadership and on-court versatility as a low-cost point forward.
After a difficult spell with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hayward will undoubtedly be looking to rebuild his value in the upcoming season. Accepting a role with the Warriors could be the ideal way for him to do that, while also having the opportunity to help the franchise try and contend for a championship.
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Buddy Hield isn’t feeling pressure to replace Klay Thompson

Buddy Hield isn’t feeling any pressure to replace Klay Thompson on the Golden State Warriors roster.

The Golden State Warriors acquired Buddy Hield to help fill the perimeter shooting void left behind by Klay Thompson. Hield is one of the best volume-shooting three-point specialists in the NBA. He can hit shots off movement or when spotting up. Last season, Hield shot 38.6% from the perimeter on 6.8 attempts per game.

Despite being added to Golden State’s roster to help plug a Thompson-sized gap, Hield isn’t feeling any pressure to replace the four-time NBA champion. Instead, he will likely want to play his own game, find where he fits within Steve Kerr’s system and provide the floor spacing Steph Curry needs to consistently attack high-quality shots.

“There’s no pressure,” Hield said. “…Just come and do my job. What Klay has done for this organization has been tremendous. I love Klay a lot. I’ve watched him a ton over the years and he’s special…So, I don’t look at it as pressure, but I think it’s fun just being in that role and seeing if I can get the same looks he got.”

Golden State failed to make the playoffs last season. The front office has moved to revamp the rotation during the opening weeks of the offseason. Hield’s perimeter scoring ability should give Kerr’s team an additional weapon in the half-court while also providing the franchise with some fresh opportunities to incorporate some new plays.

The Warriors are reportedly still in the market for upgrades, too. Lauri Markkanen’s name has consistently been floated as a potential target. It will be interesting to see how Golden State’s rotation looks by the start of the new season.

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Is Andrew Wiggins due a bounce-back year for the Warriors?

Can Andrew Wiggins re-discover the level of play that saw him emerge as a key piece to the Golden State Warriors 2022 championship?

The past two seasons have been far from ideal for Andrew Wiggins. The veteran forward has been unable to replicate the level of play that saw him become a major piece of the Golden State Warriors championship run in 2022. Wiggins has struggled for consistency since winning his first ring and was floated as a potential trade chip at the Feb. 8 trade deadline last season.

At his best, Wiggins is among the premier three-and-d forwards in the NBA. He’s capable of shutting down the opposing team’s best player while also providing reliable perimeter scoring and athletic finishing in the lane. Steve Kerr’s team is at its best when Wiggins is playing near his maximum level.

In a recent video by the “Athletic Alchemy” YouTube channel, the hosts discuss whether Wiggins is due to bounce back from his two tough years with a strong performance in the 2024-25 season. The veteran forward could be playing for his future in the Bay Area.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

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Warriors would have to show patience to re-sign Lauri Markkanen

The Golden State Warriors would need to wait until the 2025 free agency period to re-sign Lauri Markkanen if they acquired him via trade.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in acquiring Lauri Markkanen via trade. The rumor mill has been churning out potential trade packages to send the impressive big man to the Bay Area in recent weeks. According to reports, Utah are pushing for a package centered around Brandin Podziemski and future draft capital, while the Warriors would prefer to keep the sophomore on their roster.

Another hurdle Golden State must face if they choose to acquire Markkanen is that he is in the final year of his current contract. The Warriors don’t have the available cap space to negotiate a contract extension with the big man instantly. According to Marc Stein, the franchise’s continued interest in a potential trade could indicate a level of confidence that the Warriors could re-sign Markkanen in the 2025 offseason.

“The Warriors’ ongoing interest in Markkanen, furthermore, suggests they have confidence in their ability to sign the 7-foot Finn to a contract extension next summer should they ultimately persuade Utah to consummate a trade after weeks of discussion between the teams that began in conjunction with the June 26 draft,” Stein Reported. “Golden State, remember, does not possess the salary cap space to execute an immediate renegotiate-and-extend deal with Markkanen that Utah has and would have to wait until after the season to secure his long-term future in the Bay Area. Renegotiate-and-extend deals can only be completed with cap space.”

Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a framework in place between Utah and Golden State; as such, a trade isn’t projected to be imminent. As Stein detailed, the Warriors have multiple moving parts to consider before signing off on any deal.

Nevertheless, Markkanen would fill a clear need within Golden State’s rotation and could position them to contend for a championship in the near future. Whether Mike Dunleavy Jr. can get a deal over the line will remain to be seen.

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