Warriors' Blueprint for 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

NBA trade season is off and running.

Are the Golden State Warriors going to get involved? They better if they hope to salvage anything from the 2023-24 campaign.

So far, their roster appears both undermanned and overpaid. They haven't been good on either end of the floor, and they really have no great qualities about them, beyond rostering Stephen Curry. Their 35-year-old needs a superior supporting cast, and the Dubs are up against the clock to assemble one.

An active trade season feels like it has to be in the works, and these are the tasks this front office needs to achieve.

Determine the Ceiling

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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 25: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors speaks with Stephen Curry #30 against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on December 25, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

If the Warriors are going to enter the championship race, they'll almost certainly need to trade their way into contention.

It's debatable (at best) if that's even a remotely realistic option, though. Before Golden State can get rolling with any of its deadline strategy, it first needs to figure out what this group can accomplish.

If the Dubs sense they have even a puncher's chance at contending, they should be willing to part with most anyone and anything they have. It sounds like that's the sentiment so far, as Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that "everyone but Steph Curry is on the table."

If this simply isn't Golden State's season, though, then the front office must act accordingly. High-cost rentals would be off the table, premier assets would be untouchable and some selective selling could be in the works of hopes of clearing up the future finances.

Find Curry's Co-Star

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Klay Thompson #11, Dario Saric #20 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors sit on the bench during the closing minutes of their loss to the Miami Heat in the second half at Chase Center on December 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

During the height of the Dubs' dynasty, Curry found himself surrounded by some of the best rosters this league has ever seen. That clearly isn't the case any longer.

The veteran core keeps regressing around him, and the young core has yet so spawn suitable replacements. Klay Thompson's defense hasn't been the same since he lost back-to-back seasons to injuries, and his sharpshooting has dulled. Draymond Green has become totally unreliable. Andrew Wiggins looks lost on both ends. Chris Paul was already knee-deep into his decline before his arrival.

Curry might have some magical moments, but even he can't make this concern disappear. Even worse, he's been forced to do more heavy lifting than he can handle. His shooting rates have declined with each passing month, bottoming out (for now, at least) with a 41.4/33.8/89.5 slash line through seven January outings.

Is anyone on the market capable of serving as Curry's co-star? That's absolutely a fair question, as is wondering whether the Warriors would have enough to snag this hypothetical second option. If Golden State is going for it, though, it has to find a second scorer to alleviate some of Curry's burden, whether that's through an asset-depleting deal for Dejounte Murray or a hold-your-nose gamble on an overpaid player like Zach LaVine or Jerami Grant.

Get Bigger and More Athletic

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Chris Paul #3, Stephen Curry #30 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the In-Season Tournament against the San Antonio Spurs on November 24, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

While the Warriors have clearly banked on their ability to outwit the opposition, the physical limitations of this roster may be too great to overcome.

Their tallest player is 6'10" finesse forward Dario Šarić, whose 225-pound frame isn't built to withstand restricted-area tussles. With Gary Payton II sidelined by a strained hamstring, they have just two above-average athletes in Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, and that pairing can't coexist. They've played 183 minutes together and lost them by a full 21 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com.

Golden State is at a physical disadvantage almost every time it takes the floor. It makes it harder to generate and convert point-blank scoring chances. It often makes it impossible to protect the paint. The Dubs of yesteryear flew around the floor and thwarted attacks of all sizes and styles; this version of the defense routinely has circles run around it.

The Warriors don't have to break the bank on a big man (though placing a phone call for Jarrett Allen isn't the worst idea), but they at least need to find more functional size and athleticism on the wings. Winning may prove an impossibility if they can't alter their physical makeup.