The Golden State Warriors head into the 2024-25 season looking like a completely different team from last year. In the offseason, they acquired Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. However, on the flip side, they lost numerous players as well, notably Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks after 13 years in Golden State. Additionally, Chris Paul and Dario Saric each left the Warriors this summer as well. The Warriors made a lot of moves, but there were a few other trades that simply never came to fruition. According to Warriors forward Draymond Green, Golden State attempted to trade for two NBA stars.
Per Anthony Slater of The Athletic (subscription required), Green revealed that Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy planned to trade for Lauri Markkanen and Paul George. Golden State’s interest in both players became well-documented. However, it was never revealed to be to the extent of the team trying to land both players to team up together.
“The conversation was always about that possibility,” Green said. “You get both of those guys, you make a huge splash. But the Clippers weren’t really willing to play ball. Then Danny Ainge was being Danny Ainge.”
Ultimately, Markkanen stayed with the Utah Jazz and George joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Golden State Warriors Planned On 2 Blockbuster Trades
Paul George Trade to Golden State Warriors ‘Was Close’
In an episode of his podcast (YouTube link), the 76ers star revealed he nearly got traded to the Warriors this offseason. Though we knew there was interest from the Warriors’ side, George revealed exactly how close it came to being a reality. Ultimately, the Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers could not come to terms on a trade.
“That was a real thing that was close to being done. That deal was close to being done from what I was being told on the situation, they was expressing just how much they wanted me there, how I could have fit in perfectly with Draymond [Green], Steph [Curry]. Klay [Thompson] probably would’ve stayed… They didn’t know how or what package was going to be there to trade for me…[Kevon] Looney was going to be there and so it was very intriguing and it was still an opportunity to stay close to home, stay on the West Coast, and it was a win-win. …but ultimately the deal didn’t go through. I think Clippers didn’t want a certain trade deal that Warriors were willing to give and yeah, it just didn’t happen but it was close. It’d been dope, man. I was looking forward to it, if it happened.”
The Last Word On Paul George, Lauri Markkanen, and the Warriors
Regardless of all the roster turnover, the Warriors still have Stephen Curry, Green, and head coach Steve Kerr leading the way. After missing the playoffs last season, they aim to bounce back and return once again. The moves they made this offseason should help them be a better team than they were last season. However, there is no telling what George and Markkanen could have accomplished for Golden State. Both players would have elevated the team to another level. Additionally, the Warriors would have been legitimate title contenders once again.
In a competitive conference, the Warriors are a team on the outside looking in. They have a legitimate case to at least be a Play-In team next year. However, it is tough to imagine them making a deep playoff run.
