Warriors’ vow to maximize Steph’s prime on line in Markkanen trade talks

Warriors’ vow to maximize Steph’s prime on line in Markkanen trade talks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The contract extension signed by Warriors coach Steve Kerr last February, lining up neatly with contracts previously signed by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, sent a clear message about the immediate future.

The front office believes these three men can extend the Warriors’ proverbial championship “window” for two more seasons, at the end of which Kerr will be 60, Curry will be 38 and Green will be 36.

The Warriors know this pushes the boundary of validity. They also know their roster, as it is on July 16, does not amount to a top-four team in the unforgiving Western Conference.

Which is why they continue to explore paths that will lead to Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

Golden State’s core of shot-callers – CEO Joe Lacob, general manager Mike Dunleavy and Kerr – have consistently expressed a commitment to prioritize the next two seasons. Also known as the “Curry Window.”

This is appropriate considering all Steph has done for the franchise.

“It’s top of mind for sure,” Dunleavy told reporters last week in Las Vegas. “In this league, you want to take advantage of these time horizons. And certainly, with Steph and Draymond still at a really high level, that’s important. So, we’ve got to be mindful of the decisions we make to stay at this championship level. That’s drafting, trading, signing – all that stuff. That’s what went into adding, at the last moment, with Buddy (Hield). We’ve gone over to the tax to do that. We’re serious about winning. Joe’s putting his money where his mouth is.”

“But to answer your question about capitalizing on Steph’s prime, yeah, we’re going after it.”

But how far will the Warriors go?

Jazz shot-caller Danny Ainge has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s shrewdest trade hustlers. He lives for the heist. He wants to rob the Warriors.

And if the Warriors are as committed to the Curry Window as they say they are, Ainge could get his wish.

Let’s be real: Markkanen, while not being shopped by Utah, is the only impact talent known to be available….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-vow-maximize-stephs-prime-215429271.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-07-16 21:54:29

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