SAN FRANCISCO — Paul George’s debut season coincided with the last of Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s five years as a player for the Indiana Pacers. Dunleavy, referred to as George’s first “vet” by Draymond Green, fostered a relationship that ultimately benefited the Golden State Warriors this June.
Now serving as the Warriors’ general manager, Dunleavy “led the charge” in recruiting George, as Stephen Curry stated. He came up with the concept and managed all the logistics to gather George, Curry, Green, Steve Kerr, and other key figures in Los Angeles to persuade George to consider a move to San Francisco.
“He was very persistent in making the date work,” Green recalled. “He executed the plan effectively. Paul George wanted to come here. So, shoutout to Mike. The Clippers just wouldn’t agree to an opt-in and trade.”
Ultimately, George chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers instead. The Clippers opted to release his contract rather than negotiate a return with the Warriors. From the Warriors’ perspective, they believe the Clippers misjudged George’s true intentions to leave, which led to missing out on their opportunity. Frustration lingers.
“Let’s be honest,” Curry remarked. “Most teams likely don’t want to assist us.”
A week later, on the brink of free agency, Kerr drove from his San Diego residence to Santa Monica. The Warriors’ front office convened in a meeting room at Hotel Casa Del Mar.
Having missed out on George and been advised about Klay Thompson’s impending exit, they were dissatisfied with the available options to address Chris Paul’s declining salary. In the midst of this meeting, Dunleavy pulled Kerr aside and directed his attention to the top section of their free agency board.
“Look, Kyle Anderson is an exceptional player,” Kerr recounted Dunleavy saying. “We should shift our focus to him and a few others, turning our cap space and flexibility into valuable players and see how it develops from there.”
Sixteen months after Bob Myers stepped away, the Warriors are now embarking on the second season under Dunleavy’s general management. This period is characterized by a sense of patience, contrasting with the franchise’s trajectory that calls for urgency. They have made solid draft choices, restructured their finances, and refined their strategies, but they have yet to execute the game-changing move necessary to elevate them back into championship contention before Curry’s career comes to a close. If that is their objective, it remains elusive.
Despite the unfinished task, it is evident—through numerous interviews and informal discussions with The Athletic—that all key figures within the Warriors align with Dunleavy’s vision and regard his insights as essential guidance within Joe Lacob’s hierarchy.
“It’s a challenging role, and I recognize that,” Curry commented. “However, it’s an ongoing effort. At present, he’s doing an excellent job. Yet, there will be upcoming decisions that he will need to navigate. It is our responsibility as players to keep pressing forward with our performance.”
Buddy Hield is one of the new additions the Warriors are counting on this season. (Cary Edmondson / Imagn Images)
When Dunleavy presented the strategy to Curry and Green, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen wasn’t merely a backup plan. He was an integral part of Plan A. The Warriors aimed to acquire both forwards, believing that George’s potential opt-out would allow them to safeguard the necessary assets to entice Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, while Markkanen’s manageable $18 million salary could help balance the financial aspects.
“The conversation consistently revolved around that possibility,” Green stated. “Getting both of those players would create a significant impact. However, the Clippers were not inclined to cooperate, and then there was Danny Ainge being, well, Danny Ainge.”
If George had been included, the Warriors might have considered parting with everything they had left for Markkanen—all the first-round picks, second-round picks, swaps, and young talent the Jazz requested. Competing for the title could have appeared within reach.
Without George, it became apparent that the Warriors were not satisfied with the asking price given the expected return. This sentiment was communicated by Dunleavy to Kerr during their pre-free-agency discussion at Casa Del Mar.
“Mike’s very pragmatic,” Kerr explained. “He simply told me, ‘It doesn’t make sense to mortgage your entire future for a team that might be good, but not exceptional, especially considering the age of our stars at this stage.’”
Dunleavy articulated his stance during his pre-camp news conference: “There’s no reason to go all-in just to be slightly above average.”
Three weeks later, in the same space where Dunleavy had made that comment, controlling owner Lacob reflected on his words.
“I noticed what he said,” Lacob acknowledged.
Lacob is known for his ambition and optimism, making it challenging to admit that, despite significant moves over the summer, this Warriors squad might still lack the necessary strength.
“Here’s the challenge,” Lacob explained. “You’ve heard us both say it: Executing trades in this league is exceedingly difficult. Often, overpaying is required. We’re aware of that. Yet, when discussing ‘all in,’ I mean in one of the trades referenced, that concept of ALL IN should be capitalized.”
Every first-round pick, second-round pick, swaps, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody were in consideration.
“The term is significant,” Lacob remarked. “It’s not just jargon. It embodies something we truly aimed to accomplish. If you desire a specific player, this approach is essential. We have successfully executed it before. Look at when we brought in (Kevin Durant); it required substantial sacrifices to the roster. If it’s the right decision, we’re prepared to go ‘capital A capital L capital L’ all in. However, that approach is only viable once, so you must be certain.”
One of Dunleavy’s notable leadership traits, as per Kerr, is his capacity to engage in tough discussions when necessary. He drew on an example from the summer when the front office felt that Kerr needed to revamp his coaching staff.
“He approaches these situations with humility and respect,” Kerr shared.
“We respect what we’ve accomplished and the efforts of our previous coaches. However, he’s candid enough to acknowledge, ‘We’ve lost Mike Brown and Kenny (Atkinson). We no longer have a former player on the staff either after parting ways with Willie Green and (Leandro Barbosa).’ He isn’t hesitant to speak the truth,” said.
The Warriors have brought on board Jerry Stackhouse and Terry Stotts. Stackhouse was suggested by Dunleavy, who has a strong connection with him. So far, feedback regarding both hires has been encouraging.
“We’re taking everyone’s perspectives into account,” Dunleavy mentioned. “That includes Steve’s, the staff’s, the players’, and Joe’s. I’m not involving those individuals out of obligation; I appreciate their insights.”
Some of the toughest, or at least most sensitive, discussions Dunleavy had over the summer were with Curry. The Warriors effectively guided Thompson out while failing to secure the second established scorer that Curry desired. This led them to adopt a more measured approach just months before Curry’s 37th birthday, all while persuading him to extend his contract by an additional year.
<p“Dunleavy is straightforward,” Curry remarked. “Just like Bob was. I consistently emphasize that I want to see effort and a proactive mindset.”
Dunleavy collaborated with Curry on the pursuit of George. He kept Curry informed about any significant developments concerning Markkanen. They also reviewed other options that both felt wouldn’t significantly impact the team. Curry and Green have long been fans of De’Anthony Melton, who noted that the Warriors’ front office was in his agent’s office within 20 minutes of the onset of free agency.
However, don’t confuse Curry’s patience with a lack of urgency. His alliance with the organization remains strong because he has faith in Dunleavy, similar to the trust he had in Myers. He’s been led to believe they will take bold steps—utilizing future picks and making necessary sacrifices—to maximize the next few seasons if the right trading opportunity presents itself.
“Yes, but nobody can define what that means until an opportunity arises or until you evaluate what this team is,” Curry noted.
Recently, the Warriors engaged in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about Karl Anthony-Towns, according to league sources, but those talks didn’t lead anywhere. The Timberwolves were looking for a specific package from the New York Knicks that the Warriors were unable to offer. As the regular season approaches, no other prominent names appear readily available.
“For me, the most important aspect is that, as a player, when engaging with a GM, there are key moments during the year where alignment is essential,” Curry explained. “At the start of the New Year, I might check in. As the trade deadline approaches, I might follow up again. During the offseason, there’s always a check-in. The rest of the time, it’s his responsibility to nurture relationships and monitor the league. My role is to focus on playing,” he concluded.
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The Warriors believed strongly enough in Kyle Anderson to actively pursue him in the offseason. (Neville E. Guard / Imagn Images)
