The Golden State Warriors have to do everything they can to maximize Stephen Curry, who recently finalized a $215 million extension with the franchise. It’s a good sign that Curry decided to extend with the Dubs considering he and his team haven’t made it to the playoffs for two straight years. But this doesn’t mean the Warriors can relax, because if they want to maximize Curry’s window, now is supposed to be that time in NBA free agency.
For years to come.
More on @StephenCurry30's contract extension » https://t.co/jWwG1yKZuq pic.twitter.com/vPQeAfDqma
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 6, 2021
A relatively quiet offseason
The Warriors have not made a big splash in NBA free agency despite rumors stating that Curry and teammate Klay Thompson want the Dubs to acquire Washington Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal, who seemingly isn't on the trade market. Instead, they brought Andre Iguodala back and signed Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr. to be key role players.
For as solid as Bjelica and Porter are, these two don’t necessarily make the Warriors championship contenders. Sure, it raises their ceiling a bit if they work out, but not to the point where they can beat the very best teams in the NBA in the postseason.
The Dubs missed out on Patty Mills and Nicolas Batum, who would have been really nice gets. Kelly Oubre Jr. is going to the Charlotte Hornets. Kent Bazemore bolted from Golden State to the Los Angeles Lakers. Eric Paschall was traded to the Utah Jazz.
Can the Warriors' Big Three resurrect their team?




Barring any injuries this season, the Warriors will finally see Curry, Thompson and Green together again on the court at some point, depending on when Klay is back. This trio alone should help them at least make it back to the playoffs. Thompson will relieve Curry’s scoring load while Green continues to anchor the Dubs’ defense. But can they bring their beloved team back to the Finals? Maybe, but they need to at least get more help.
If the Warriors can find a way to snag another All-Star to go alongside their Big Three, that would do wonders for them. They also need experienced players alongside their core who can perform for them on the big stage.
work.
Summer League || @Oracle pic.twitter.com/makrogglX2
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 8, 2021
Youngsters James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Jordan Poole and Juan Toscano-Anderson have potential, but are they the right pieces to surround the two-time MVP? Or can they find a way to trade their young assets for another star like Beal, Damian Lillard (wishfully thinking) or even Ben Simmons? These are questions the Warriors need to address, and as of right now, the bet is on the young talent. That obviously could change, though, in the future.
A mistake they might regret
Ultimately, the Warriors’ mistake of not surrounding their core All-Stars with more proven players could bite them in the long run. If the Lakers managed to sign veterans and promising talent for minimum deals, maybe a prestigious organization like the Warriors could have done the same as well. But instead, they’re counting on their rookies and their Big Three. Perhaps this will all work out, but there's plenty of potential downside here.