The Golden State Warriors are on a four-game winning streak, but they are also focused on the future and have some critical offseason tasks that they need to tackle. Here are three critical offseason tasks that the Golden State Warriors need to handle:
New Contract for Draymond Green The Warriors‘ most pressing issue is the contract of Draymond Green. The 33-year-old can either opt into a $27.6 million option for the next season or become an unrestricted free agent by opting out. Green is likely to opt out to secure a longer-term deal, and the Warriors are expected to offer him a three-year, $60 million contract. Losing Green could put a dent in the Warriors’ championship contention plans, and they cannot afford to lose him.
Contingency Plan for the Departure of Donte DiVincenzo The Warriors signed Donte DiVincenzo last season, and he has been a key contributor to their 2020-2021 championship-winning season. However, DiVincenzo is likely to receive offers of at least two or three times his current salary when he becomes a free agent. The Warriors don’t hold bird rights on him, so they’ll be limited to offering him 120% of his current salary ($5.4 million). Golden State needs to have a contingency plan in place for DiVincenzo’s departure, and they could use another combo guard to help Jordan Poole in the backcourt off the bench.
Identifying a Gettable and Reliable Backup Big Kevon Looney has been remarkable in terms of durability, but it’s time for the Warriors to find him a suitable backup. The Warriors thought they had it covered with James Wiseman and JaMychal Green, but they were never reliable options. The Warriors need to identify a trustworthy option at a minimum price. Most minimum salary big men are in that position because they’re often unplayable against certain lineups. If that player isn’t available, then getting a stretch big who offers something different is still a worthy way to go.
A new contract for Draymond Green: As mentioned, this is the most pressing issue for the Warriors. Draymond Green is a former Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time NBA champion, and a legend of the franchise. He can opt into a $27.6 million option for next season, or opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. It is likely that Green will opt out of the option in the aim of securing a longer-term deal. However, the decision largely rests with Green himself, as there are few teams with salary cap space that could realistically offer him more. Spotrac’s Keith Smith evaluated that Green and the franchise could come together on a three-year, $60 million contract, which would guarantee Green more money while also helping Golden State’s luxury tax bill. The Warriors cannot afford to lose Green if they wish to remain in championship contention next season and beyond.
A contingency plan for the departure of Donte DiVincenzo: Donte DiVincenzo has been everything and more that Golden State would have expected when they signed him last offseason. However, his production is likely to price the Warriors out of his services this time around. DiVincenzo does have a player option for $4.7 million, but his form this season is likely to see him attract offers at at least two, if not three times that amount. Golden State don’t hold bird rights on DiVincenzo, meaning they’ll be limited to offering him 120% of his this year’s salary ($5.4 million) come free agency. That’s unlikely to get it done unless he really loves it in The Bay. While the Warriors have re-acquired Gary Payton II, he and DiVincenzo bring similar defensive intensity and ability, but they’re still different players. Golden State could well do with another combo guard to help Jordan Poole in the backcourt off the bench.
Identifying a gettable and reliable backup big: The Warriors need to find suitable help for Kevon Looney, who is nearing the end of a second-straight season of remarkable durability. The big man has now played over 200 straight games dating back to the 2020-21 season, which is quite an astounding achievement given the injury issues earlier in his career. However, the Warriors cannot bank on him doing it for a third-straight season. Acquiring a trustworthy option at minimum price is easier said than done, particularly given that player has to fill specific needs. The Warriors never prioritize big men in their offensive scheme, meaning the player needs to be able to defend, rebound, and set screens like Looney. If that player isn’t available, then getting a stretch big who offers something different is still a worthy way to go. Green was supposed to be that player for Golden State, but he has not been as effective from beyond the arc this season.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors have a lot of work to do in the offseason. These three tasks are critical to the Warriors’ championship contention plans, and they need to tackle them right away. If the Warriors want to remain at the top of the NBA, they need to make smart moves in the offseason.
Source: https://bluemanhoop.com/2023/03/25/golden-state-warriors-jk-start-hesitancy/