[gocard14]

Warriors didn't get Markkanen. They offered Moody and basically every pick they could plus pick swaps for the next four years. Utah countered with Podziemski and the picks. Deal didn't get done.

The only other two big names available are Zach Lavine (owed $138 million over three years, played 25 games last season) and Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans ($36 mms. on an expiring contract). Warriors have no interest in either. They have 14 players under contract and are believed to be satisfied with the existing lineup.

It's hard to know how to feel about this development without knowing the true ask.  I like podz but if the Jazz would have accepted a package like Podz, Moody, and 2 FRPs we should have done it. If they wanted Podz AND the full 3 FRPs/4 swaps, then the price was just too high.

The bullish case for this season is as follows:
Upgraded rotation, replacing Klay (who was a net negative last year) and Saric with Melton, Hield, Anderson

Improved play from the young guys. Podz and Kuminga may take a leap, and TJD should improve as well.

Draymond is available and not suspended.

The vets have indicated they expect much improved play from Wiggins this year. Whether this is just hyping him up to will it into existence or the effects of a better offseason and improved personal issues remains to be seen. 

If this comes to pass, the Warriors could be a deadline move or two away from being a legit contender in a stacked west. 

The bear case:
Steph is older/worse. Olympics haven't been reassuring in this regard. If steph is struggling and Podz/Kuminga/wiggins don't step up this team could really struggle in the half court offensively.

Wiggins is who he is and it is foolish to hope otherwise

Kuminga remains a flashy player but not a reliable contributor to winning basketball.

This team is struggling to fight for a play in spot, and if steph misses any real time may even shift gears to Zag for Flag.

[gocard14]

Warriors didn't get Markkanen. They offered Moody and basically every pick they could plus pick swaps for the next four years. Utah countered with Podziemski and the picks. Deal didn't get done.

The only other two big names available are Zach Lavine (owed $138 million over three years, played 25 games last season) and Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans ($36 mms. on an expiring contract). Warriors have no interest in either. They have 14 players under contract and are believed to be satisfied with the existing lineup.

It's hard to know how to feel about this development without knowing the true ask.  I like podz but if the Jazz would have accepted a package like Podz, Moody, and 2 FRPs we should have done it. If they wanted Podz AND the full 3 FRPs/4 swaps, then the price was just too high.

The bullish case for this season is as follows:
Upgraded rotation, replacing Klay (who was a net negative last year) and Saric with Melton, Hield, Anderson

Improved play from the young guys. Podz and Kuminga may take a leap, and TJD should improve as well.

Draymond is available and not suspended.

The vets have indicated they expect much improved play from Wiggins this year. Whether this is just hyping him up to will it into existence or the effects of a better offseason and improved personal issues remains to be seen. 

If this comes to pass, the Warriors could be a deadline move or two away from being a legit contender in a stacked west. 

The bear case:
Steph is older/worse. Olympics haven't been reassuring in this regard. If steph is struggling and Podz/Kuminga/wiggins don't step up this team could really struggle in the half court offensively.

Wiggins is who he is and it is foolish to hope otherwise

Kuminga remains a flashy player but not a reliable contributor to winning basketball.

This team is struggling to fight for a play in spot, and if steph misses any real time may even shift gears to Zag for Flag.