Draymond Green praises Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy’s offseason decisions, highlighting the benefits of signing role players over making risky trades.
Draymond Green Lauds Warriors’ Smart Offseason Strategy
Draymond Green has always been outspoken, and during Warriors Media Day, he didn’t hold back his thoughts on how the team handled the 2024 NBA offseason. Instead of making flashy trades or signings, the Warriors chose a more calculated approach—and Green is fully on board with that decision.
While other teams in the Western Conference were busy making big moves, the Warriors opted for smaller but smarter additions. Draymond believes this strategy is key to the team’s future success.
A Calculated Approach
The Warriors didn’t shake up the roster with any blockbuster trades or high-profile signings. Instead, they brought in veteran role players like Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. According to Green, these moves reflect Golden State’s trust in its core group and faith in young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Speaking to reporters, Green said, “To see them stand pat and say, ‘No, we’re going to pluck away… I thought that was incredible. It shows who this organization is, and it’s a testament to Mike Dunleavy and who he is as a basketball mind.”
By avoiding major trades, the Warriors avoided pushing deeper into the luxury tax, a financial burden the franchise is all too familiar with. Green emphasized that sometimes the best move a team can make is not making a deal at all, as one wrong decision could set the team back for years.
Trust in the Core and Young Talent
The Warriors’ decision not to pursue a superstar player like Paul George or Lauri Markkanen has been seen as risky by some. However, Green sees it as a smart way to maintain roster flexibility and allow the team’s younger players to grow.
He also mentioned that this approach keeps the future bright. Instead of disrupting the team dynamic with a high-profile trade, the Warriors chose to support their established core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, while adding veteran depth and giving room for younger players to step up.
Building for the Present and the Future
Golden State’s offseason decisions align with their long-term strategy. The team is balancing the goal of making another deep playoff run while ensuring they don’t jeopardize their future. Relying on role players like Hield, Melton, and Anderson could help the team maintain a competitive edge without sacrificing young talent or future assets.
With Steph Curry still playing at an elite level, the Warriors believe they can compete with the best in the Western Conference. At the same time, they are grooming their next generation of stars, like rookie Brandin Podziemski and forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, for success down the road.
Will It Pay Off?
Of course, only time will tell if the Warriors’ quiet offseason will pay off. The Western Conference remains stacked with talent, and Golden State will need everything to come together to make another deep playoff run.
Draymond, however, remains confident. “We did a great job getting pieces that will help this team grow,” he added. The 34-year-old forward sees this offseason as a win for the Warriors and is optimistic about the 2024-2025 season.
As the new season approaches, Golden State is sticking to a patient, measured approach. Instead of panicking and making risky trades, the Warriors have kept their roster intact while adding solid role players. With Green’s vote of confidence and a mix of veteran and young talent, the Warriors are hoping their offseason strategy leads to another playoff run.