The Golden State Warriors have had a rollercoaster of a season, with injuries and inconsistent performances leading to a disappointing finish. As they head into the summer, there are many questions surrounding the team’s plans for the offseason. Will they make big moves in free agency? Who will they target? General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently spoke to the press, giving some insight into the Warriors’ approach to the upcoming months.
Dunleavy Jr. made it clear that the Warriors are not looking to make any drastic changes to their core roster. Despite their struggles this season, the team still has a strong foundation with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green leading the way. Instead, the focus will be on adding complementary pieces to strengthen the team’s depth and address specific needs.
One area that the Warriors will be looking to improve is their bench. With key players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston no longer with the team, the Warriors have lacked reliable options off the bench. Dunleavy Jr. acknowledged this and stated that they will be targeting players who can provide scoring and playmaking off the bench. This will not only give the starters some much-needed rest but also provide a spark when the team needs it.
Another area of concern for the Warriors is their lack of size and physicality in the frontcourt. With the departure of DeMarcus Cousins and the injury to Kevon Looney, the team has been thin in the center position. Dunleavy Jr. revealed that they will be looking to add some size and toughness to their frontcourt, whether it be through the draft or free agency. This will not only help with rebounding and defense but also provide some much-needed depth in case of injuries.
One name that has been linked to the Warriors is veteran center Dwight Howard. The former All-Star has had a resurgence this season with the Los Angeles Lakers and could provide the Warriors with the size and experience they need. However, Dunleavy Jr. made it clear that they will not be making any decisions until they have a better understanding of the salary cap and the team’s needs.
Speaking of the salary cap, the Warriors are in a unique position this offseason. With the return of Curry and Thompson from injuries, the team will have a luxury tax bill of over $100 million. This will limit their options in free agency, but Dunleavy Jr. remains confident that they will be able to make some moves to improve the team.
One option for the Warriors is to use their mid-level exception, which will allow them to sign a player for up to $9.3 million. This could be used to bring in a veteran player who can contribute right away. Another option is to make a trade, using their trade exception from the Andre Iguodala trade last summer. This would allow them to take on a player without having to match salaries.
Despite the challenges, Dunleavy Jr. is optimistic about the Warriors’ chances in free agency. He believes that the team’s winning culture and the opportunity to play alongside Curry and Thompson will be attractive to potential free agents. The Warriors also have a strong track record of developing players, which could be appealing to young players looking for a chance to prove themselves.
In addition to free agency, the Warriors will also be looking to add talent through the draft. With the second overall pick, the team has a chance to add a top prospect to their roster. However, Dunleavy Jr. made it clear that they will not be pressured into making a pick and will carefully evaluate all their options. The Warriors have a history of finding gems in the draft, and they will be looking to do the same this year.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors have a clear plan for the summer. They will be looking to add depth and size to their roster while also maintaining their winning culture. With the return of their star players and some strategic moves in free agency and the draft, the Warriors will be a team to watch out for next season. Fans can rest assured that the team is in good hands with Mike Dunleavy Jr. at the helm, and the future looks bright for the Golden State Warriors.
