On Saturday, during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors—without their star players Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry—some intriguing discussions unfolded off the court.
Before the Lakers secured a 105-99 victory, both teams’ general managers shared insights with the media. Given that both franchises are poised for significant shifts, the conversations included some surprising remarks.
So, where do I even begin?
To kick things off, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy asserted that Draymond Green was not part of any trade talks involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. He stated, “Draymond wasn’t being shopped around or being talked about in a trade.”
However, that assertion was quickly challenged. Green himself responded during his podcast, saying Dunleavy reached out before the trade deadline, indicating that either he or Jimmy Butler would need to be included in any transaction to balance salaries.
“What was said in that moment was there was a chance I could be traded for Giannis,” Green remarked on his show. He mentioned that Dunleavy didn’t dismiss the idea, which led him to feel it was a real possibility.
The Warriors not only missed the chance to acquire Antetokounmpo, who the Bucks opted to keep, despite having numerous first-round picks at their disposal, but they also must now address the repercussions of that dialogue.
Was there anything else noteworthy from this conference? Well, Dunleavy voiced his hope that Kristaps Porzingis—recently acquired in a deal involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield—would regain full health after battling issues like orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and Achilles tendonitis.
“We feel good about it,” he noted, emphasizing that they have little to lose by taking a risk on Porzingis. “We’re going to have others in similar situations who have faced injuries.”
Essentially, the story for Kuminga has reached a conclusion.
Dunleavy further shared the Warriors’ intention to go all out this summer to secure another championship for Stephen Curry, labeling it a “win now” phase.
And what’s the state of the current roster? Dunleavy didn’t hold back.
“What was highlighted today is that it’s over.” He pointed out the Warriors had the fourth-best record last year from when Butler was traded until his recent injury. “Despite perceptions that we’re declining, we actually performed well until that point.” He added, “Now we have to reevaluate our course. I believe adding Kristaps would be beneficial, but that’s the reality of this group.”
It wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement for the Warriors’ lineup. Yet, if Porzingis stays injury-free, the team’s playoff prospects could improve. And had Butler been healthy, who knows what could have transpired? Regardless, the Warriors are gearing up to leverage their draft assets toward future success.
“We have the resources to make a deal,” Dunleavy affirmed.
Meanwhile, across the arena at Crypto.com, the Lakers’ director of basketball operations also addressed the media after the trade deadline. He discussed whether the Lakers are bold enough to pursue contracts, given Doncic’s impressive play, Austin Reeves’ All-Star potential, and LeBron James’ remarkable performance at 41.
Pelinka’s sole move before the deadline involved acquiring Gabe Vincent and Luke Kennard, but he signaled that the Lakers are eyeing the future with three first-round picks and numerous expiring contracts.
“Being aggressive doesn’t just mean making a move,” he explained. “Sometimes it means saying no.”
Additionally, Pelinka indicated plans to reshape the front office, inspired by the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It seems change is imminent—for both organizations.
The Lakers aim to build around Doncic while he’s still in his prime, while the Warriors try to sustain their momentum as Curry continues to play at a high level. Neither team is a leading championship contender this season, though both believe they can adjust this summer to climb to the top.
So while the basketball on Saturday was entertaining—with six Lakers players reaching double figures, including James’ solid contributions—it was really the behind-the-scenes actions that revealed much about how these significant franchises are planning for the future.
It’s clear this summer could be transformative.
