Blinksportsnews247The Golden State Warriors were happy to finish 2023–24 with a club that has at last discovered its “best version” of themselves and decided not to make any trade deadline additions.
However, the one deal Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office did make would undoubtedly have an impact on the locker room, even if the Dubs were unable to make any significant changes before Thursday at noon Pacific.
Following Thursday night’s spectacular rout of the Indiana Pacers, Stephen Curry was questioned about Golden State’s strategy for the trade deadline. The four-time winner brought up Cory Joseph without being asked, bemoaning the loss of an experienced “connector” that he and his teammates will truly miss in the future.
“It hurts to lose Cory. Anyone familiar with Cory Joseph’s demeanor and presence understands…”He’s the epitome of a professional,” said Curry. “He helps the younger guys in the locker room with just a great spirit.” He is experienced and skilled at playing. He’s the kind of man that connects everything, so we will definitely miss him. That one was clearly difficult. I am aware of the financial and commercial aspects of the game, but we will definitely miss him.
Just before the deadline, the Warriors sent Joseph and $5.8 million to the Pacers in exchange for a 2024 second-round selection. In exchange for Golden State receiving at least one selection in this year’s NBA Draft—even if it’s a second-rounder—Joe Lacob saved millions on luxury taxes. Another roster space became available with Joseph’s departure; current two-way player Lester Quinones, who has overtaken the 32-year-old in Steve Kerr’s rotation in recent games, may be able to fill it.
In free agency, Golden State signed Joseph to a contract with a one-year minimum. After Chris Paul and Curry, Joseph was brought in to fill in as the Warriors’ third point guard. During the first two months of the season, Joseph had a somewhat regular role as other perimeter players went down with injuries. He experienced his most reliable stretch in January following Paul’s injury during a close home victory over the struggling Detroit Pistons. Paul had suffered a fractured hand.
Over the course of ten straight games, Joseph averaged 2.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.4 minutes off the bench. He shot 11 of 25 overall (44%) and 7 of 17 from three-point range (41.1%). He was still occasionally exposed by the opposition’s perimeter players, but he was not the same impact defender as in his heyday. Equally troubling, opponents who were unfazed by Joseph’s ability to shoot three points took him off the ball offensively, restricting Golden State’s space.
Nonetheless, Curry’s admiring assessment of Joseph was evident both on the floor and on the bench. Every time he took the court for the Warriors, he fought valiantly. Most notably, on January 25, he made a memorable first impression on the Atlanta Hawks, helping his team win with the effort, passion, and tenacity that at first proved difficult to muster so soon after the loss of his beloved assistant Dejan Milovic.
Soon after Joseph was acquired by Indiana, he was released, freeing up a space on the roster for veteran forward James Johnson to sign again. For the remainder of 2023–2024, it’s uncertain where he’ll end up. It’s also possible that the 13-year veteran will have to try his luck in free agency come July. All that is known, though, is that Joseph’s former Warriors teammates and coaches will miss him.
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