Warriors’ margin for error narrows after Western rival trades for former All-Star

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly in the market for a deal for Paul George, reportedly putting all their effort into adding the 9x All-Star if he opts into his $48.8 million player option for next season.

Given the increasingly expected departure of franchise legend Klay Thompson in free agency, the Warriors have a narrow window to have to make a blockbuster trade to find an upgrade. If it’s not George, the alternative options start to become more limited.

Former Chicago Bulls point guard Alex Caruso has already been traded to Western Conference contender the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New York Knicks gambled earlier in the week on the addition of former Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges.

Another Western playoff team, the New Orleans Pelicans, made their biggest move of the offseason by bringing in Atlanta Hawks point guard Dejounte Murray. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks will receive Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels and first-round picks in 2025 and 2027.

Caruso, Bridges and Murray are all players the Warriors could have considered adding to their roster this offseason. Golden State reportedly made a strong offer for Caruso at February’s midseason deadline, while Murray was considered by a rival executive to be the franchise’s most realistic trade target.

With that duo and Bridges now off the trade market, the Warriors’ margin for error continues to shrink as we prepare for a crucial few days for the franchise’s future. If George extends with the Clippers or heads elsewhere, where does Golden State go as an alternative?

Does Brandon Ingram become an option if the Pelicans look to move on? Do they all go for a trade for Lauri Markkanen, which would undoubtedly require an overpay similar to what the Knicks did with Bridges. The Warriors would get desperate in that scenario, potentially limiting their negotiating power with rival teams.

George is suddenly becoming a must-have — not just because he’s a bona fide star — but because of Thompson’s deteriorating relationship with the Warriors and the limited options elsewhere on the market.