In the ever-changing NBA arena, plans often fail to keep up with changes. Following an unexpected loss by the Warriors to the Raptors, the situation has suddenly shifted dramatically. Curry's official statement, akin to a blockbuster bomb, announces that the Warriors are beginning to adjust their strategy, with the initial signs of tanking, aiming directly for the top ten draft picks in 2025, particularly focusing on selecting quality guards during a year rich in promising talent. This change also renders the previous plan to trade Markkanen from the Jazz meaningless, as there is only one day left until the trade deadline on February 6, 2025, making the time frame tight and the operational difficulty significant.
Looking ahead to the summer, a series of bold operational plans by the Warriors have come to light, aimed at reshaping the team's lineup and enhancing competitiveness.
The Warriors' current lineup has notable height deficiencies. Starting point guard Schroder stands at only 1.85 meters tall, while Kuminga, despite his immense potential, can only serve as a substitute. In addition to injury impacts, Kuminga is expected to participate in around 45-55 games this season, limited playing time that hampers his ability to produce impressive statistics, thus restricting his market value. However, this may present an opportunity for the Warriors, who are expected to successfully renew Kuminga's contract for 4 years at 100-120 million, preserving a spark of potential for the team.
In terms of the draft, the Warriors have made it clear that they will select a guard in the first round. This newcomer will initially start from the bench, accumulating experience and gradually growing into a key force for the team's future.
In terms of recruitment, Turner has become a key target for the Warriors, with the team planning to sign him outright with a massive four-year, 200 million contract. Turner's prowess in the paint is undeniable, and his arrival will significantly enhance the defensive intensity and offensive firepower of the Warriors' frontline, compensating for the shortcomings of the existing lineup.
Furthermore, the Warriors are plotting a significant trade. They plan to use Wiggins, Moody, and Bojie (sign-and-trade) to acquire an All-Star level swingman, with Ingram being the ideal candidate. Ingram's outstanding scoring ability and versatile skills can bring a qualitative leap to the Warriors' frontcourt.
If these plans are successfully implemented, the Warriors' lineup for the new season will be completely renewed. The starting lineup will consist of Curry, Ingram, Kuminga, TJ Davis, and Turner, with Hield, the 2025 rookie, Li Keller, Green, Looney re-signed for 3 million, and Waters III on the bench. Such a lineup combines experience and potential, with balanced inside and outside strength, promising to shine brightly on the court in the new season and reclaim the glory that belongs to the Warriors. Whether or not the Warriors can succeed with this series of operations remains to be seen.