Some are jumping the gun around here, suggesting that the Warriors off-season has been meaningless. That, to me, is preposterous at this point. Am I a fan of the Warriors F.O.? Hardly. But if I were running the Warriors, I don't think I would have made a big move yet, either.

Warrior's GM Larry Riley has a big job. Is he up to the task?

via www.hoopsworld.com

Right now, we're in pretty good position to make a trade, largely because we gave ourselves a lot of flexibility by moving Jamal Crawford. However, we're not in the best position yet. So far, flexibility to make trades bodes well for the Warriors trade prospects all the way up until the trade deadline. If we don't make a move by then, however, this off-season was meaningless.

First of all, Devean George's contract will be freed in a couple more weeks. It's possible the front office holds out for that one more piece to fall into place. Riley says they've been in talks and perhaps some team asked for that one bit of extra expiring contract. We could make a trade on the 30th of September, the moment George's contract is not restricted, for all we know. I don't find that terribly likely, but it's possible.

Another factor to consider, probably more importantly, the Dubs have to wait on other teams and our own players. There are teams that are waiting things out to see how they're going to do and how much trade value some of their players will have. We know that Wright and Monta have something to prove, before their trade value is maximized. More trade options will open up as the season goes on, as Monta and Wright prove themselves and as other teams are more prepared.

Lastly, word from Smart and Riley, regarding Jackson, is that they want him to stay. The Dubs F.O. has the final word. Smart suggests that Jackson will likely fall back into line when he gets into training camp and is around his teammates. We might also consider that Jackson might be more willing to stay after a big trade. What if Jackson remains disgruntled? Jackson will be on the trading block, and we'll want to keep trading pieces until then, to remain versatile in the trade market.

My suspicion is that trading is on hold until the F.O. can determine Jackson's attitude, prove Monta and Wright and find a willing participant prior to the trade deadline. I am going to be patient and simply enjoy the ride, as we have exciting prospects and will have fun watching the team hopefully mesh and squeek out victories against the odds. Until the trade deadline, I will be a faithful Warriors fan. After that, I will still be a Warriors fan... although perhaps less faithful.