“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done”. Amidst the Warriors’ poor run during the ongoing NBA season, it became evident that the need was for a change. Through the above remarks, Stephen Curry indicated that improving the roster should not come at the cost of jeopardizing the team’s future. Acquiring a veteran experienced star at the cost of the team’s young players would solve the short-term problems, not the long ones. In light of the statement, speculation may have arisen on whether a difference of opinion may have created some conflict between the star player and team management. However, if one veteran reporter is to be believed, then Curry and the Warriors are literally “on the same page”.
ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst hosted Tim Bontemps and Tim McMahon as guests on the recent segment of his podcast. Bontemps highlighted that for Stephen Curry, his legacy is already secure. Therefore, he believes the team should make any decisions about the Warriors for the team’s long-term goals. As for the franchise being on the same page, Bontemps believes that the player made it clear during the Warriors Media Day itself.
The NBA reporter highlighted that Curry said “We’ve got a chance to be a relevant team. Like, he didn’t say we have a chance to be a championship team. He didn’t say we have a chance to win the West. He said we have a chance to be a relevant team. So, I think he’s been pretty aware of the overall situation here from the beginning.” On top of that, not moving quickly is something that the Warriors squad anyway would have been hoping for.
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“I do think what this does is take a lot of heat off of the Warriors to feel like they have to go make some move to salvage a season or to, you know, try to become an overnight contender, when no moves’ really available,” said Bontemps. “And that’s the kind of situation where if you try to do something, you tend to make a big mistake and do something damaging.”
It is no secret that Stephen Curry will not be with the Warriors for long. Neither will Draymond Green. Klay Thompson has already left the franchise to team up with the Dallas Mavericks. The trio that ushered in the Golden Era of the franchise created a memorable legacy. Maintaining it would require looking to the future. The Warriors would have taken this message to heart. As a result, according to reports, the chances of the franchise to acquire its previously reported wing targets like Jimmy Butler and/or Cam Johnson, have decreased.
Not everyone is a fan of the way that Stephen Curry wants to go. In a recent segment of ‘First Take’, renowned sportscaster Stephen A. Smith highlighted “‘What’s the chances of at any time in the remainder of my lifetime as owner of the Golden State Warriors that I’m going to find me another Steph Curry?’” Curry revealed that his belief only stood with the team’s best interests at heart by stating “Anybody who thinks that I’m okay with just being an average basketball on (an) average basketball team that’s been saying, take whatever I should”.
Sure, being on a 20-20 slump during the ongoing season is demotivating. However, so would be creating a team that has not come close to a championship title for decades.
The Warriors may now be looking to acquire a player who can both change the team and not cost it too much in the process. Someone must have heard their woes, as an opening seems to have arrived now.
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Will Stephen Curry and Co. look to acquire $125 million worth John Collins?
NBA reporter Jake Fischer recently highlighted that the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz are “actively exploring the market possibilities with Jonas Valančiūnas and John Collins, respectively.” Currently possessing a 5-year, $125 million contract, Collins will become an unrestricted free agent by the 2026-27 season. The 27-year-old has a player option available for the next season. However, the Jazz may be looking to bolster their own roster by acquiring additional players in exchange for one of them. This may lead them to potentially strike a deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Throughout the ongoing season, John Collins has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 27 games, he has averaged 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. On the shooting front, he is averaging 52.5% with his field goals, 43.8% with his three-pointers, and 86.7% with his free throws. As highlighted by SB Nation, his improvement from the previous season is enough to make him a contender for the ‘Most Improved Player’. Along with his offensive prowess, age, and salary, Collins is someone Stephen Curry and Co could get. According to reports, trading either Andrew Wiggins to the Utah Jazz, or a combination of players like Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield, can bring in the power forward.
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The upcoming weeks will be crucial ones for the Golden State Warriors. It remains to be seen whether the team and Stephen Curry are really on the same page based on their actions.
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Should the Warriors risk their future for a quick fix, or trust Curry's long-term vision?
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