The Golden State Warriors were bounced in the play-in tournament but they can create a new superteam around Stephen Curry this season.
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Golden State Warriors suffered a disappointing end to their 2023-24 campaign after finishing 10th in the Western Conference by losing to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. With Klay Thompson’s future in the air and Draymond Green dealing with his own demons, Stephen Curry was often left stranded trying to keep the dynasty alive.
Despite the struggles of key players, the Warriors might not be done yet. There is one superstar player the Warriors can acquire this summer to create a brand new dynasty that will almost certainly win next season’s championship. His name is Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A Blockbuster Trade Package For The Greek Freak
Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors have an opportunity to create a superteam and potentially form a new dynasty around Stephen Curry by targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Milwaukee Bucks face an early exit from the playoffs, particularly if their defensive shortcomings, evidenced by their 21st-ranked defense, become a significant issue, it could prompt Giannis to reconsider his future with the team.
Adding to the speculation is Damian Lillard’s rumored unhappiness living in Milwaukee. If Lillard fails to make a significant impact in the playoffs, it could further pave the way for Giannis’s departure, and what better destination than San Francisco?
Antetokounmpo made it clear that winning was his top priority before the Damian Lillard trade went through, stating his desire to win at all costs. Joining forces with Stephen Curry and a potentially re-signed Klay Thompson in Golden State could be an ideal fit for Giannis. There might not be a better on-court situation than Giannis playing alongside the Splash Brothers.
This move would form a dominant big three and instantly make the Warriors a championship contender. Giannis’s defensive prowess could significantly bolster the Warriors’ 18th-ranked defense, and his ability to buy into the Warriors’ ball movement system could make them an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor. With Giannis on board, the Warriors could be primed to win the title in the upcoming season, ushering in a new era of dominance for Golden State.
A Dominant New Starting Lineup
Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green
Starting with Stephen Curry at point guard, his unmatched shooting ability and playmaking skills would continue to anchor the Warriors’ offense. Klay Thompson, one of the Splash Brothers, would provide elite perimeter shooting and spacing, making it difficult for defenses to double-team Curry or Giannis.
Brandin Podziemski, a young and promising prospect, would add another scoring threat and playmaker to the lineup. His versatility and ability to create his own shot would fit well with the Warriors’ fast-paced and ball-movement-centric style of play.
Giannis Antetokounmpo would bring a unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill to the team. His ability to dominate in the paint, score in transition, and defend multiple positions would make the Warriors’ offense and defense even more potent. Playing alongside elite shooters like Curry and Thompson would also allow Giannis to operate more freely and exploit mismatches.
Draymond Green, known for his defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and playmaking ability, would continue to be the glue that holds the team together. His unselfishness and willingness to do the dirty work would complement the scoring abilities of Curry, Thompson, Podziemski, and Giannis.
Overall, this new lineup would be a perfect blend of shooting, playmaking, defense, and versatility. The players’ skills and styles would complement each other well, and under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors could become an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor. With this lineup, the Warriors would undoubtedly be favorites to win the NBA title and could potentially start a new era of dominance in the league.
Depth Built For Winning
Chris Paul, Lester Quinones, Gary Payton II, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevon Looney
Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer, would bring exceptional playmaking, leadership, and clutch performances off the bench. He averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game at 38 years old this season as the sixth man and still has $30,800,000 to be paid to him next season so the Warriors can take advantage of his presence for one more year.
Lester Quinones, a young and talented wing, would provide scoring and floor spacing off the bench. His ability to shoot from outside and attack the basket would complement the Warriors’ style of play and add another scoring threat to the lineup as he is only 23 years old. Gary Payton II would bring tenacity and defensive intensity to the second unit, and his defensive effort makes him a perfect role player for a superteam.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, a skilled and versatile forward, would provide scoring and rebounding in the paint. His ability to finish around the rim, rebound at both ends of the floor, and defend multiple positions would give the Warriors’ bench additional depth and flexibility. The No. 57 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has proven to be a great pickup for Golden State by posting 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this season.
Kevon Looney, a dependable and versatile big man, would continue to be a solid contributor off the bench. His basketball IQ, rebounding, and defensive presence would provide stability and experience to the second unit. Overall, the Warriors’ bench would be built for winning, with a perfect blend of experience, scoring, defense, and versatility.
A Dynasty That Will Deliver At Least One NBA Championship
Despite the murmurings that the Golden State Warriors dynasty is over, they have the potential to build a dynasty that will deliver at least one more NBA championship, if not more.
Despite Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green entering the latter stages of their careers at 37, 34, and 34 years old, respectively, their skills and shooting abilities suggest they can continue to perform at a high level for the next few years. Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo to the mix could provide the final piece needed to contend for another championship.
In the Western Conference, the Warriors would face competition from teams like the Denver Nuggets, who boast Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and the injury-prone Los Angeles Clippers. However, no team in the West would have the star power and depth that the Warriors would possess. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder lack the experience and talent to seriously challenge the Warriors.
Given these factors, the Warriors are positioned to win the 2025 NBA title at a minimum, with a strong possibility of winning additional championships in the years that follow. With a blend of veteran leadership, elite shooting, defensive prowess, and a deep and talented roster, the Warriors could indeed establish a new dynasty in the NBA.