The Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline is approaching, and the Warriors need change. General manager Mike Dunleavy understands. Steve Kerr knows. Steph Curry knows.
"We have a standard that's pretty evident that if things stay the same, that's the definition of insanity, right?" Curry addressed media following the Warriors' 141-105 defeat to the Pelicans at Chase Center on Wednesday. "Do the same, expect different results. We must control our effort, attention, competitiveness, and court abilities as players.
The squad has faced a tough but sobering reality check after a decade of winning basketball, four NBA titles and six Finals appearances. Two days after being booed by Chase Center supporters in its defeat to the Raptors, Golden State was booed again on Wednesday night in its 36-point loss to the Pelicans.
The Warriors, who had the third-best home record (33-8) previous season, went 2-5 on the homestand, losing four games by 10 or more points. With an 11-11 home record, they are 17-20 and 12th in the West. The Warriors clearly want and need change.
Curry acknowledged the trade deadline's urgency but stressed that players must focus on what's in front of them and accept that things are out of their control.
"You can't allow yourself to get distracted by that because whether you're at the top of the standings or the bottom, there's always rumors swirling, there's always conversations," Curry adds. Simply part of the job. Your chance to play terrific basketball will be lost if you get caught up in it until something happens.
Shams Charania of The Athletic claimed Thursday morning that the Warriors have a "everyone but Steph Curry" attitude with the trade deadline coming, but they want to maintain their Big Three of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The NBA reinstated Green last week following a 12-game ban, but Kerr doesn't expect it to influence the team's trade deadline strategy
Yeah, we’ve had plenty of time to assess the team – this year and the last couple of years,” Kerr told reporters Tuesday. “I don’t think that will be an issue.” It's clear the Warriors need change. Dunleavy and co. will decide as time passes.