The Golden State Warriors 2023-24 regular season is now just over 24 hours away, with a tantalizing matchup with the Phoenix Suns to tip things off at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
After a positive preseason that garnered a 4-1 record and plenty of optimism among the team’s younger players, there’s expectation that the Warriors can return to their best following a disappointing campaign in 2022-23.
The Golden State Warriors season will be produce plenty of storylines from both an individual and team perspective.
With the blockbuster acquisition of Chris Paul amid some major changes over the offseason, Golden State are sure to be one of the most intriguing teams in the league. The franchise is aspiring to win their fifth NBA championship in the last decade, and their preseason form suggests they’re well prepared to fulfil those hopes.
There’s questions to be answered all over the place, and only time will tell if the franchise is capable of returning to its former glory.
Let’s make five bold Warriors takes ahead of the 203-24 season:
1. Lightning strikes twice on a four-year, $100 million contract for Warriors veteran
Heading into the offseason, Golden State’s biggest priority was re-signing veteran forward Draymond Green. They wasted no time in making that happen, with the former Defensive Player of the Year committing to the franchise on a new four-year, $100 million deal in free agency.
With Green and Stephen Curry now both on long-term deals, Klay Thompson is the sole member of the trio whose future is somewhat uncertain. The 33-year-old is currently extension eligible and could enter free agency next offseason should he and the franchise not come to terms on a new deal.
Thompson has been vocal on his desire to remain with the franchise, but he’ll have to take a significant cut from the $43.2 million this season. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently stated there has been “absolutely no progress” on a new deal (a point reiterated by The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Monday), though Thompson and the Warriors do have until June 30 next year.
The five-time All-Star’s form in preseason has been somewhat concerning, having averaged just 8.8 points on 28% shooting across the five outings. That, combined with his deteriorating form in last season’s playoffs, has opened up major conjecture on the value of his next contract.
As one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, fans should expect Thompson to return to his usual high-level performances. They should also expect he and the Warriors to eventually agree on a new deal, with Green’s contract appearing like an appropriate number.