Warriors Takeaways from 2024 NBA Trade Deadline 1 Week Later

There was absolutely a chance the Golden State Warriors could've made radical changes at the NBA trade deadline.

They wound up with only the cost-cutting subtraction of Cory Joseph instead.

And maybe that's OK.

Despite the lack of movement, the Dubs head into the All-Star break playing perhaps their best basketball of the season. Their roster is clicking in new and exciting ways, and since Stephen Curry hasn't left his prime just yet, this might be the most dangerous 10th seed you'll find.

Let's dig into three things we've learned since the deadline passed.

Their Inactivity Wasn't Due to a Lack of Trying

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors make each other laugh during a stop in play in the first half at Chase Center on January 27, 2024 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)

Whenever a team seemingly needs to make a trade and doesn't, it's always fair to wonder just how hard they pushed for one. In Golden State's case, though, the Dubs left literally no stone unturned in their search for an upgrade.

In fact, they went so far outside the box that there were even "owner-to-owner conversations" between the Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers about a LeBron James trade, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.

Now, these were ultimately one-sided talks, as "neither the Lakers nor James were willing to explore a potential blockbuster." Still, this goes to show Golden State got as creative as possible in uncovering a move to make.

The Warriors also had "substantive talks" on other players, including Chicago Bulls combo guard Alex Caruso and big man Kelly Olynyk, who was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Toronto Raptors. Obviously, nothing ever came together, but clearly the Warriors were ready to deal and were apparently willing to pay a premium for the right player.

Making Any Meaningful Trade Would've Been Tricky

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 12: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 12, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

In theory, the Warriors were candidates to get a big deal done. Beyond the fact that they had underperformed to this point, they had the big salaries to make the money work on a blockbuster, plus the possible sweeteners needed to afford high-end talent.

In reality, though, they didn't have as much to work with as it seemed.

Their biggest expendable salaries were tied to players who had either disappointed to this point (Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins) or were injured (Chris Paul), so they offered minimal value on their own. And as far as sweeteners go, they had a pair of future first-round picks to offer, but otherwise would have needed to subtract young players who are contributing to this team right now.

Jonathan Kuminga, by far their top prospect, would've been coveted by many, but the Dubs (rightfully) deemed him "virtually" untouchable. Subtracting rookie Brandin Podziemski would've cost them a key piece of their backcourt rotation. Had they dealt fellow freshman Trayce Jackson-Davis, they would've lost valuable athleticism at the center spot. Moses Moody seemed the likeliest candidate to go given his inconsistent role, but it's hard to say how much the market valued him, and the Dubs likely would've been trading him at a discount.

Youth, Versatility Are Keying Their Recent Success

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 24: Draymond Green #23 high fives Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 24, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Warriors enter Wednesday night having won seven of their last eight games. There are two major factors behind this recent surge: starting Draymond Green at center and injecting more youth into their rotation.

When Green can stay on the court, he remains a mastermind defender who keeps the gears moving on offense. Playing him as a small-ball center has long been Golden State's proverbial ace up the sleeve, and that's how things have played out once again. When he's on the court as the lone big man, the Warriors are trouncing teams by 11.5 points per 100 possessions, per PBP Stats.

While that formula for success is familiar, the other is brand new and entirely welcome. The Dubs have smartly deployed Kuminga as their second option, and he has responded with an efficient bucket barrage (22.9 points on 57.9/45.5/77.5 shooting over his last 14 outings). They've also leaned harder on Podziemski, who gives them an additional playmaker and a tireless presence on the glass.

That's not all, though. They've also found minutes for Lester Quinones, a quick-strike scorer with a fiery outside shot; Gui Santos, a two-way-energizer; and Jackson-Davis, an above-the-rim presence on the interior. These young players are contributing in ways that not only help the present but perhaps brighten the future of this franchise substantially.