## Warriors Offseason: Key Dates and Potential Moves
Player Option and Roster Decisions
Ahead of the NBA Finals’ conclusion, several key decisions loom for the Golden State Warriors:
– Gary Payton II: Payton must decide whether to exercise his $9.1 million player option by June 19.
– Kevon Looney: The Warriors must either re-sign Looney for $8 million or release him by June 24 to save $5 million.
– Chris Paul: Paul’s $30 million non-guaranteed contract becomes guaranteed on June 28 unless he’s traded or released.
NBA Draft and Free Agency
A flurry of activity is expected around the NBA Draft on June 26 and the opening of free agency on June 30:
– Draft Prospects: The Warriors have evaluated 31 prospects for the pre-draft workouts, with an emphasis on players with extensive college experience.
– Potential Draft Strategy: Golden State holds the 53rd overall pick and may seek another player who can contribute immediately.
– Free Agent Targets: With a need for a rim-protecting stretch-five, the Warriors may pursue players like Zach LaVine or Brandon Ingram.
Decade of Dynasty, Wrapped
The ongoing NBA Finals mark the 10th since the Warriors’ first championship in 2015. In that span, Golden State has won four titles and reached the Finals twice more. Their six championship appearances lead the league since 2014. Other teams to achieve similar success and longevity include the Bill Russell Celtics, Showtime Lakers, Michael Jordan’s Bulls, and the early-2000s Lakers.
Lessons from the Porzingis Trade
The Celtics’ acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis highlights the importance of maximizing asset value. The Warriors could have offered a better deal than Boston, but so could several other teams. Porzingis’ value was low due to his injury history, but his potential as a rim-protecting stretch-five would have been valuable alongside Draymond Green. This trade serves as a cautionary tale for the Warriors to aggressively pursue undervalued players with star potential.
Conclusion
The Warriors’ offseason will be pivotal in shaping their roster for the future. Key decisions regarding player options and free agency will determine their direction. The NBA Draft presents an opportunity for them to add young talent, while lessons learned from the Kristaps Porzingis trade emphasize the need for shrewd acquisitions. With their dynasty potentially entering a new chapter, the Warriors must navigate the offseason strategically to maintain their status as a perennial contender.