Part 6/10:
The team’s trajectory has sharply declined since the offseason of 2024, marking the beginning of their downward spiral. A particularly costly move was the Klay Thompson signing-trade. Intended to bolster their shooting and experience, Thomspon’s contract—a $16 million deal with an additional year—has been a nightmare for their cap management. He’s now primarily coming off the bench and producing far below expectations, while the team’s flexibility diminishes.
Further missteps include the decision to send Quinton Grimes to Philadelphia for Caleb Martin—a move now viewed as a failure, especially considering Grimes’ burgeoning success in Philadelphia. He has grown into a valuable role player, demonstrating the risks of losing assets prematurely.