The Golden State Warriors were swept by the Sacramento Kings, so eliminating them from the 2024 play-in tournament. Even though bizarre things can occur in the play-in round, this is still a startling decline for a team that was the NBA Finals champion less than two years ago.
Additionally, it depresses a once-mighty dynasty that seems to be nearing its end. While Draymond Green is also past his peak and Klay Thompson is a shadow of his former self, Steph Curry is still Steph Curry.
The Warriors could completely collapse and begin a rebuild, but it would be far more intriguing if they chose to throw all of their cards in the middle and attempt one more Finals run, this time with their star point guard leading the way.
Let’s examine three players in more detail who the Warriors might try to acquire this offseason in order to strengthen their roster.
This is not possible, is it? No manner is possible. The Slim Reaper might acquire wandering eyes and begin seeking for a way out of his current predicament if the Phoenix Suns blow it this postseason and their championship run ends abruptly. Durant might keep in mind his success in the Bay Area while playing alongside Curry if he decides to leave Phoenix.
With the exception of Durant’s injury during the 2019 postseason, Curry and Durant guided the Warriors to two titles in three seasons. It has been demonstrated in the past that their individual styles go well together.
Yes, both Curry and Durant have aged somewhat since their previous collaboration. Nonetheless, they are still among the truly great offensive players in the game, and if they were to team up once more, they might be the best duo on that side of the court.
Chances are Durant would figure things out quickly with his former team, quickly leading the Warriors back to contention. The difficult part would be figuring out a deal the Suns will accept. Jonathan Kuminga broke out as a hard-charging isolation scorer and explosive finisher this season, but there’s still debate about his ceiling. If the Suns believe Kuminga is on a surefire All-Star trajectory, he could be one candidate to headline a deal along with other players and numerous draft picks.
To date, the Warriors have seemingly tried to have it both ways, delicately balancing contending for a championship in the present with building the next generation of their team. Dealing future picks for Durant would shake this up and represent a clear signal Golden State is all in to win one more ring before Curry hangs up his sneakers.
If they can put together a package that is acceptable for Phoenix, a rejuvenated Warriors squad with Curry and Durant leading the way could be the favorite to come out of the West next year.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Every team could use a player like Alexander-Walker, and the Warriors are no exception. NAW, as he is also known, is an elite defender with the capability to knock down open shots consistently.
Curry might just be the greatest shooter to have ever lived, but he is well below average as a defender in this late stage of his career despite giving strong effort day in and day out. Curry just doesn’t have the size and strength to consistently slow down opposing players. When he was younger and healthy, Thompson was a perfect fit not only for his shooting, but because of his elite defensive ability.
NAW is not Klay Thompson, just to be clear. Very few players in the league will ever come close to matching Thompson’s ability as a two-way player. But Alexander-Walker is the exact type of low-usage offensive player who can fill any role necessary, and he is also an elite defender at multiple positions on the perimeter.
His addition would bring much-needed versatility to Golden State’s roster and take pressure off of Curry at that end of the court.
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