With Stephen Curry's window closing, Warriors don't have time to waste
The Golden State Warriors find themselves on the brink of elimination, trailing the Los Angeles Lakers 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals. Even Stephen Curry's triple-double wasn't enough to save the Warriors in a Game 4 loss.
The players surrounding Curry on the roster have failed to consistently deliver support. In the two games in Los Angeles, Klay Thompson scored 24 points and Jordan Poole tallied five. The guard hasn't made a three-pointer since Game 1.
For the Warriors to stage a 3-1 comeback, Poole, Klay and Andrew Wiggins must significantly elevate their performances. Otherwise, the series is over, and Golden State's front office will face a slew of difficult decisions during the offseason.
Golden State is already way over the salary cap and the new CBA agreement limits its options in free agency, so the Warriors must squeeze the most from existing assets on the roster.
Poole, 23, remains a young and developing player despite his lackluster playoff showing. His four-year extension worth up $140 million complicates matters for the Warriors as teams may be hesitant to take on such a large contract from an overall unproven player.
Golden State could also consider trading second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, especially after the team benched him during the playoffs.
The Warriors cannot afford to wait for these players to develop, especially if head coach Steve Kerr is unwilling to use them in high-pressure situations in the playoffs.
But Golden State cannot afford to remain idle.
At 35, Curry finds his window for winning titles closing. The Warriors must prioritize acquiring talented players who are ready to compete and support the team immediately, not in two or three years. It's uncertain if Curry can withstand the test of time like 38-year-old LeBron James, so it's crucial for Golden State to maximize the next few seasons.
Golden State should closely examine the Toronto Raptors roster, which appears to be heading toward a rebuilding phase after losing in the play-in tournament. Players such as OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam or could be available in a trade.
Regardless of the trading partner, the Warriors must restructure their roster to provide Curry with the necessary support. When blessed with a once-in-a-lifetime talent like Curry, not a single moment of his prime can be wasted.
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