Golden State Warriors: Pros and Cons of Pursuing Dwight Howard
By Joe Moore
Con: Giving Howard the maximum four-year contract he demands will restrict future flexibility
April 09, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) gestures after scoring a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Along with Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson’s contracts, Bogut’s contract expires after next season. Currently, the Warriors only have $33 million committed to the 2014-15 season, per basketball-reference. Adding Howard’s contract, along with the contracts of players included in the trade or brought in to fill roster spots, the Warriors salary flexibility could be drastically decreased.
The possible Klay Thompson extension would kick in during the 2014-15 season, likely joining Howard, Curry and David Lee in a growing collection of big-money contracts pushing the Warriors up to the salary cap.
Harrison Barnes would be due for an extension the year after Thompson (though one of Barnes or Thompson would almost certainly be surrendered in a trade for Howard). If Howard plays to his typical standards, this decreased flexibility would be a minor issue, but given the variability of human health and the NBA, Howard’s contract would be a concern.