With the end of the NBA season, the Golden State Warriors have once again become the focus of public opinion. Different from the glory and glory of the past, this time, they stood on the cusp of the storm because of their huge investment and dismal results. invested $380 million in a season, including $220 million in player salaries, and the luxury tax soared to $160 million, but he couldn't even enter the door of the playoffs. Such a report card has undoubtedly made the Warriors a laughing stock of the entire league.
Behind this, the Warriors' predicament is far more complicated than the numbers. As the core of the team, Curry's statements at the end of the season cast a shadow over the future of this team. He couldn't imagine being without Thompson and Green, which was undoubtedly sending a clear message to management: If you move them, you will move me. Thompson and Green, as the Warriors' decorated players, their status on the team is irreplaceable. But at the same time, their contracts and performances have become a major problem for the Warriors on their way to rebuilding. Thompson's form has declined since his injury, and although Green's defense and passion are still the same, the shortcomings on the offensive end are becoming more and more obvious. To make matters worse, their place in the Warriors' history makes it difficult for other players to fit into the inner circle. Against this backdrop, the Warriors decided to seek change. ACCORDING TO LOWE OF THE ATHLETIC, THE WARRIORS PLAN TO SEND WIGGINS AWAY. This news undoubtedly caused an uproar. A year ago, Wiggins joined the Warriors with a four-year, $102 million contract cut and was seen as the team's hope for the future. However, after a season, his performance did not meet expectations and was even disliked by the fans. In the Warriors' playbook, Wiggins never seemed to find his place and was out of step with the team's overall style.
For the Warriors, sending Wiggins away could be a win-win option. On the one hand, they could reduce salary pressure and make room for future signings, and on the other hand, Wiggins' departure could inspire the morale and potential of the rest of the team. However, with Wiggins currently considered a negative asset, the Warriors will need to compensate with other chips, which undoubtedly makes the trade more difficult. In such a predicament, the Warriors' trade target gradually surfaced. According to Jack Fisher, American reporter for Open Air Sports, the Warriors' eyes turned to Paul George of the Clippers. The All-Star, who has averaged 22+5 per game this season, is undoubtedly an ideal reinforcement for the Warriors. His offensive and defensive prowess can bring qualitative improvement to the Warriors, and his leadership qualities can help the team better cohesion.
It's not easy to get Paul George. The Warriors need to come up with enough sincerity and leverage to impress the Clippers. Wiggins, Kuminga, Payton II and second-round picks are perhaps the most sincere the Warriors can give. But for the Clippers, it's still unknown whether they'll be willing to let go of the core player. If the Clippers fail to win a championship this season, the possibility of Paul George's departure will increase significantly. After all, as a professional footballer, the pursuit of a championship is his ultimate goal. And if staying with the Clippers can't achieve that goal, then it makes sense for him to choose to leave. For the Warriors, this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if the Warriors succeed in acquiring Paul George, they will face a number of challenges. How to integrate the team's culture and tactical system, and how to make Paul George have chemistry with the likes of Curry, Thompson and Green, are all problems they need to solve. But in any case, this is an important attempt for the Warriors to get out of the predicament and regain their strength.
Looking back on the Warriors' journey, we can't help but feel emotional. From a former dynasty team to today's struggles, the Warriors have had a lot of ups and downs. But it is precisely such predicaments and challenges that make them more firm in their beliefs and goals. We believe that in the days to come, the Warriors will be able to rise again and write their own glorious chapter. In the process, we look forward to bringing new energy and hope to the Warriors with the addition of Paul George. At the same time, we also hope that the Warriors can be more prudent and wise in future trades to lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the team. After all, for a team aspiring to win a championship, every decision could affect their future fortunes.
The Warriors' dedication and results this season have undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to fans. But as Curry puts it, "We're a team, and we can only go far if we work together." "I believe that in the days to come, the Warriors will be able to unite and forge ahead, and once again become the dynasty team that makes the whole league tremble. Let's wait and see!