The Golden State Warriors will have a huge decision to make before the February mid-season trade deadline -- will they use their expiring contracts and draft capital in a big trade or two, or prioritize their cap space in free agency a few months later?
Their failed LeBron James pursuit this summer suggests the Warriors shouldn't wait until free agency, and that they should instead focus on a big mid-season move where they're not reliant on notable players actually choosing them.
LeBron James miss proves Warriors shouldn't wait for next big move
Speaking about Golden State's payroll situation on the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN's Brian Windhorst pointed to the pre-agency moves that have recently occurred around the league, including the Washington Wizards' trading for Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and the Utah Jazz' deal for Jaren Jackson Jr.
"That was absolutely pre-agency for the Jazz, they're saying, hey, instead of having a bunch of cap space, let's go get the guy we want now and not have to recruit," Windhorst said.
There are a couple of key differences the Warriors will likely point to. Firstly, next year's free agency class is set to be far more appealing than it was this summer, particularly if some star players opt out of their options for the 2027-28 season.
Just as importantly, Golden State will view themselves as a big market team much more capable of utilizing their cap space and luring free agents as opposed to Washington and Utah. The Los Angeles Lakers, for example, chose to protect their cap space and prioritize free agency this summer as a big market team.
Warriors haven't been able to attract stars in recent years
The Warriors might be a big market team with Stephen Curry, but that wasn't enough to entice James nor other stars who've repeatedly rejected moves to the Bay in recent years. It's that recent history that should have Golden State hesitant to prioritize free agency, and instead look at what they can do via trade at the mid-season deadline.
This plan will of course change depending on how the Warriors are progressing, but moves at the deadline can still be made with an eye to the following season and years ahead. It will also obviously be dependant on who becomes available at the mid-season deadline, with Golden State undoubtedly hoping they can capitalize on a situation as they did with Jimmy Butler last year.
Butler himself could be a trade candidate come the deadline, along with fellow veteran forward Draymond Green who combine to make over $80 million in expiring contracts that the Warriors could potentially utilize.
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