The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with a renewed sense of urgency. After falling short in last year’s playoffs, the Warriors made clear in the offseason that being a fringe playoff contender isn’t enough. While they aggressively pursued All-Stars Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, those attempts ultimately fell through. However, according to Warriors beat writer Anthony Slater in The Athletic’s season preview, the Warriors are likely to make another big push before the February 6, 2025, trade deadline.
Slater’s “bold prediction” centers around a significant trade to enhance the roster around Stephen Curry, who remains the centerpiece of the Warriors’ championship aspirations. “They have plenty of rotation-level NBA talent but not enough top-end scoring or creation next to Stephen Curry,” Slater wrote. “They’ll make a significant trade.” The Warriors, who’ve been in win-now mode since Curry’s MVP years, have a mix of assets they could leverage, including Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and several tradeable first-round picks.
Much of the Warriors’ determination to land a big name comes from General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., who has stressed the need for discipline alongside impatience. “We’re probably as impatient as you can be as a franchise right now given our time horizon,” Dunleavy said. “But there’s a fine line between impatience and undisciplined.” He affirmed his confidence in the team’s offseason additions but made it clear that the Warriors are still looking for the right moment to go “all-in.”
The Warriors lost long-time sharpshooter Klay Thompson to free agency over the summer but added versatile players like Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton. Of particular interest is Melton, whom head coach Steve Kerr has hinted could be Curry’s starting backcourt partner. Following the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Clippers, Kerr praised Melton’s playmaking and defensive instincts, which complement Curry’s game. “They look great together,” Kerr said, adding that Melton brings valuable shooting and defensive energy to the team.
Yet, the possibility of trading promising young assets like Kuminga and Podziemski looms large, especially if the Warriors’ season doesn’t start strong. Insiders speculate that the team may give the pair extended minutes to increase their trade value. The decision to part with these young players could become necessary if Golden State is to acquire the kind of star power they’ve been after.
While the Warriors’ path remains uncertain, the strategy is clear: build around Curry, bring in another star, and aim for another championship before their window closes. Fans eagerly await what’s next as the team seeks to cement its status as a Western Conference powerhouse once again.
