The Golden State Warriors are entering another season with win-now expectations on the team.
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Stephen Curry is 37 years old, and while he is still one of the best players in the league - capable of fueling any team for an extended playoff run - the guard is entering the twilight of his playing career.
Over the past couple of seasons, he has missed a significant amount of action due to injuries, a common occurrence for a player his age.
His growing record of health issues only adds pressure on a Warriors organization that is hellbent on competing for another title with Curry.
Since the Warriors are intent on contending this season, ESPN insiders voted the Warriors as the team that is most likely to make a big move before the NBA trade deadline.
The voting was conducted by a panel of NBA experts. The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately finished second, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans tied for third.
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ESPN reporter Anthony Slater broke down the results of the preseason voting.
"The Warriors lead this list because they've essentially spent the offseason signaling a desire for deadline movement," Slater wrote.
"Their two-year, $45 million contract offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga was designed to get him on a salary number they can flip come January.
"The Lakers, who are transitioning into the Luka Doncic era, have maintained a few first-round sweeteners that can be used to get a deal done as LeBron James' expiring contract looms.
"For the Cavaliers' situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement. If they fear their high-value core four won't get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix."
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The Warriors have Jimmy Butler, Curry, and forward Draymond Green on their roster, all of whom are in their early to mid-30s.
These three combine to form the core of the team, and considering their age, Golden State has a limited window left to compete.
The Warriors were competitive once they acquired Butler at the NBA trade deadline last season, but it is challenging to project how the team will perform one year later.
Thus, they should be expected to change things fast if things aren't looking good early in the season.
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