San Francisco Sports Today

San Francisco Sports News Continuously Updated

Dub Hub: Mike Dunleavy Jr. says Warriors in ‘much better shape’ this offseason with Jimmy Butler on the roster

by

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Monday, May 19th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is optimistic about the team’s direction heading into the offseason. During his exit interview, Dunleavy pointed to the stability of having another proven star in Jimmy Butler alongside franchise cornerstones Stephen Curry and Draymond Green—highlighting how much more confident he feels compared to the uncertainty the team faced last summer.

After the Warriors’ season ended in a second-round elimination at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team now shifts its focus to retooling their roster for next season. Golden State is expected to take an aggressive approach this summer, but with its veteran core in place, there’s a renewed sense of clarity about the team’s path forward.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, May 19th:

Warriors News:

Warriors value Kuminga, but say his return ‘a 2-way street’ | ESPN

“We value JK,” Dunleavy said. “I think he had a resilient season. … As far as bringing him back next season, I think it’s something we’re very interested in doing because, when I look at the things JK does well, in terms of getting to the rim, finishing, getting fouled, these are things we greatly need. We know he can bring those to the table. It’s not hypothetical.”

Dunleavy added: “For that reason, we’ll try to bring him back, but you’ve got to have those conversations. You’ve got to figure it out. It’s a two-way street in terms of creating — getting a new contract and all of that. So, we’ll see where it goes.”

Steve Kerr doesn’t plan on changing the Warriors’ offensive system around Steph Curry anytime soon

Draymond Green admits he ‘lost’ his matchup against Minnesota’s Julius Randle

Giannis showers Steph with praise in series of social media posts | NBC Sports Bay Area

Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear he’s a big fan of Warriors superstar Steph Curry.

At this point, who isn’t?

The Bucks superstar, who reportedly is “open” to leaving Milwaukee via trade this offseason, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to do a Q&A and praised Curry on numerous occasions in response to fans’ questions.

Warriors offseason musings: Commit to Jonathan Kuminga, or set him free | San Francisco Chronicle

Nice work by Chronicle history-digger Peter Hartlaub, unearthing photos and quotes from Curry’s first days as a Warrior, back in 2009. Said the smooth-cheeked and underfed Curry back then: “I’m confident the Warriors are going to help me get bigger and stronger.” … Funny, it turned out to be the other way around.

NBA News:

Thunder conquer nerves to topple Nuggets and reach West finals | ESPN

“I was nervous, to be honest,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after scoring a game-high 35 points in the Thunder’s 125-93 win over the Nuggets to give the franchise its first conference finals appearance since 2016. “Just knowing what was on the line. …To know if you don’t bring your A-game, it could all be over. But I think that nervousness motivated me.”

NBA Playoff Bracket for the Conference Finals

Haynes Briefs: Giannis Antetokounmpo meeting with Bucks next week to discuss the team’s direction

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Valkyries excite, but drop franchise opener

It may have ended in a loss, but it was still a fun, exciting, and ultimately successful franchise debut for the Valkyries. They’ll look for the first win in franchise history on Wednesday, when they host the Washington Mystics at 7:00 p.m. PT.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.