The Golden State Warriors haven’t done much to improve the team this offseason.
They’re tied to some marginal reinforcements, but they haven’t been able to get a big fish after missing out on LeBron James.
However, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. already hinted at making in-season moves as they have in the past, adding that the team is being aggressive behind closed doors.
Considering that, an unnamed general manager told NBA insider Sean Deveney that the Warriors might be gathering intel to prepare for an in-season blockbuster.
The Warriors are ‘laying the groundwork’ for an in-season trade
“There is always groundwork that you are laying,” a GM told Deveney. “You do work in the summer, you get the intel, you understand where teams are at with their players, their salaries all of that, then you’re in position to strike a little bit when the time comes. You spend the summer understanding where a trade might come in six months.”
The Warriors don’t want to jeopardize their future by giving up valuable draft capital of the post-Steph Curry era.
That said, it might be the only way to help him lead the organization to another championship while he’s still one of the best players in the game.
The Warriors can use Kristaps Porzingis, Draymond Green, or Jimmy Butler’s big contracts for salary-matching purposes, and they could also flip first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg if necessary.
For now, there aren’t many avenues for improvement, but there are always disgruntled players switching teams during the season.
The Warriors might still have a big ace up their sleeve, but the fans will just have to be a bit more patient.