The Bay Area is known for many of its aspects. From the big tech companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, to the Golden Gate Bridge. However, many people in the Bay like to tune into the competitive and spirited basketball games of the Golden State Warriors. 

              Many may know the Golden State Warriors as a dynasty for their three championships in their five-year trip to the NBA finals. According to NBA statistics for 2019, the Warriors’ lineup of Steph Curry, a two-time most valuable player, Klay Thompson, a five-time all-star, which is a name given to thriving players each season, Draymond Green, a defensive player of the year, Kevin Durant, a most valuable player, and Demarcus Cousins, a four-time all star, was one of the best starting lineups in NBA history. 

             However, with the departure of Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Demarcus Cousins, and the long-term injuries to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors had a rough 2019-20 season. According to the NBA standings of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, the Warriors went from the first seed team to the worst record team in the NBA during the 2019-2020 season. While most people believe the Warriors’ dynasty and their dominance in the NBA is unlikely to be seen anytime soon due to the presence of players such as Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard in the Western Conference, the Warriors are not finished with their business yet.

             The Golden State Warriors’ current squad looks significantly different from their previous lineups, as most of the new players are young, and have not found a winning rhythm on this team yet. However, the Warriors can return as a championship contending team next season as their core will be back together. According to NBC, Stephen Curry had mentioned in an interview that he, Klay, and Draymond know that they are “not done”. They have had plenty of rest, waiting to prove that their success and reign is not over just yet.

            As all Golden State Warriors fans know, the trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green has been crucial to the team’s success. Draymond Green’s ability to make plays for his teammates is a significant asset for the Warriors. When the trio are on the court, they can cause trouble for teams. The trio has won a title and were part of a 73-9 Warriors team before Kevin Durant joined the Warriors. 

              Since Kevin Durant left the Warriors in the 2019 free agency, which is a market where players are eligible to sign with other teams. Just when things seemed doomed for the Warriors, they acquired D’Angelo Russell, who is 24 years old from Louisville, Kentucky, through a stunning trade. Though Russell was not a good fit for the Warriors since his role was already covered by players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, he became a trade asset for the Warriors. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and a Minnesota 2021 first-round draft pick. According to Chris Mullin, a former NBA player, Wiggins is a “perfect fit”. Wiggins can help score and facilitate the ball for the Warriors as a replacement for Kevin Durant. While many Warriors fans are upset about the disappointing 2019-20 season for the Warriors, there are two great benefits the Warriors have gained. According to NBC Sports, the Warriors were the worst team in the NBA this season with a record of 15-50 due to the absence of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. However, with plenty of rest, the duo will be back on the court energized and ready to go. Most importantly, the Warriors have the number two pick in the 2020 NBA draft, which possibly gives the Warriors an extra key player, or can be used as a trade asset, which is likely to happen. Therefore, there are many teams in the market who would be interested in trading for that number two pick. 

              Lastly, the Warriors have a mid-level trade exception of 17.2 million dollars, which provides teams with more money to spend on players. The Warriors received the money when they traded Andre Iguodala in free agency. A couple months ago, former All-Star player Isaiah Thomas had made it clear that he wants to be part of the Warriors. Overall, there will be many players in the market to target and capitalize on for the Warriors. 

           The Warriors will have to endure a tough journey, considering that they are in a competitive Western Conference. However, they have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, along with Andrew Wiggins and the number two pick in the 2020 NBA draft to succeed in the NBA next season. What are your predictions for the Warriors next season?