Grading Warriors' Biggest Moves from 2024 NBA Offseason

One could argue that the biggest move made by the Golden State Warriors during the 2024 NBA offseason was a move they didn't make at all.

Despite being often connected to Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, the Dubs didn't actually land him. They reportedly felt the Jazz's asking price made it a "bad deal" for themselves, per ESPN's Kendra Andrews, and that option is officially off the table now with Markkanen having agreed to a five-year, $238 million renegotiation and extension.

While the Warriors wound up not making a splash, this summer will be remembered for the subtraction of splash brother Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry's longtime running mate. It could also be looked back on for the subtle but potentially savvy additions made to this supporting cast in free agency.

Let's revisit Golden State's biggest transactions and assign each with a letter-graded assessment.

The Klay Thompson Sign-and-Trade

Photos by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

DALLAS TX - JULY 9: The Dallas Mavericks Klay Thompson talks to the meida during a press conference on July 9, 2024 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas Texas. 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 (Photos by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Thompson's departure wasn't totally out of left field, but it nevertheless marks the end of an era. His place is permanently etched into Warriors' lore, and the story of his Bay Area stay could be retold for generations to come.

Thompson took his talents to the Dallas Mavericks, while the Warriors walked away from this multiteam sign-and-trade with a pair of second-round picks and a trade exception.

On the surface, that appears like a painfully light return for a four-time champion whose jersey will one day hang from the rafters. Then again, it's obvious Thompson was in decline, and Golden State may have wanted to avoid the kind of commitment he got from the Mavericks (three years, $50 million).

The Warriors didn't get a ton directly from this deal—though they did use the exception to help land Kyle Anderson (more about him later)—but they did pave a path to major minutes for 2023-24 All-Rookie first-teamer Brandin Podziemski. They also got out of the awkward process of pinpointing how much floor time and touches a declining Thompson should handle.

Grade: C

Adding De'Anthony Melton

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 09: De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on April 09, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The NBA's new economic environment mostly squeezed middle class free agents, but De'Anthony Melton perhaps escaped free agency unscatched.

Sure, he only fetched a one-year deal, but it was worth the full taxpayer's mid-level exception ($12.8 million). Plus, he'll head to a marquee market and have the chance to perform under pressure and potentially pad his pockets during his journey back to the open market next summer.

His traditional numbers never jump off the page, but his impact often leaps off of the film. He can operate on or off the ball, defend multiple positions and race in the open court. Only once in his first six seasons, which he split between Phoenix, Memphis and Philadelphia, was his team worse per 100 possessions with him than without, per Basketball-Reference.

Now, he needs to stay on the court for all of this to work, and that isn't always a guarantee. This past season, injuries limited him to just 38 outings. If he can avoid the injury bug, though, he could be the kind of support player who stars in his role.

Grade: A-

Acquiring Kyle Anderson

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 30: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 3 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 30, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Warriors don't always know for sure how a player will fit their system until they are able to plug them into it. Having said that, Kyle Anderson should enjoy a smoother transition to the team than most.

The cerebral swingman sees the game in the way this system demands. He often appears a step ahead of the action on both ends, which is perhaps the most critical skill to succeed within a read-and-react ecosystem.

It'd be nice if he had a reliable three-ball (career 33.8 percent) or a little more athleticism, but the Warriors wouldn't have been able to afford him if he did. Since he has those warts, they were able to add him on a three-year, $27 million deal, which could prove a bargain for someone with his instincts and two-way flexibility.

His offensive limitations can be tougher to manage in the postseason—he averaged 22.6 minutes this past season but only 15.4 in the playoffs—but those are worries for a different day. The Warriors need to secure their postseason spot before concerning themselves with how they'll fare at the big dance, and his presence will help improve those chances.

Grade: B