Steve Kerr Claims That Warriors Don’t Need Trade Despite Mediocre Record

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday that he was still content despite the team’s 23-25 record. The team has been speculated to be looking for trade partners ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

Kerr told reporters before the Warriors’ 127-104 win over the 76ers that the team could still be “something special.” Led by aging stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the team has struggled at times in the 2023-24 season.

“The guys who are here, they are an incredibly accomplished group,” Kerr said. “We’ve got some exciting young players, and we’ve got a good group. Every guy on our team has really overcome a lot, individually, this year. Taken out of the starting lineup, to injuries, young players have emerged through hard work and patience, and I enjoy coaching this team. It is a long haul, but I feel like this team could be something special.”

Kerr and the Warriors have four championships in the past decade, but the team’s recent struggles have provoked calls for a roster shakeup. Longtime defensive star Draymond Green was briefly suspended for repeated behavioral issues last year. Thompson, one of the league’s most prolific long-range shooters, has recently commented on losing steam late in his career. With just 17.1 points per game this year, the 34-year-old is on pace to have his worst offensive season since 2013.

“To go from [being] one of the best players — it’s hard for anybody, I’ll be honest with you,” Thompson said Monday.

Chris Paul, who was once expected to be a key addition for Golden State last offseason, has missed significant time with various injuries and has only scored 8.9 points per game. In general, the team consistently has one of the oldest starting fives in basketball.

Beyond Curry, who continues to produce at an elite level, the only Golden State players producing at a trade-worthy level at the moment are forwards Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga is just 21 years old, making it unlikely that Golden State would part with him. Wiggins, a 28-year-old starter, could be a valuable trade piece, but no deal has been arranged yet, per team reports.