Golden State Warriors: 3 Wishes for 2022 NBA offseason

Retain key free agents

It is the first thing on the Golden State Warriors’ to-do list. A variety of players helped them win the 2022 NBA Finals. Making sure those same guys are back on the roster will be crucial for next season.

We’ll start with Kevon Looney. A prospect the Dubs have kept on the burner since 2016, Looney emerged as a small-ball center who can hold his own against bigger opponents and carry the burden of anchoring efforts in the paint.

Looney has earned a payday and the Warriors would be foolish to turn him away for the sake of saving a few bucks. Looney’s rebounding, rim protection and passing are more valuable to the team than cap space.

The same goes for Gary Payton II, though, the price will be substantially lower. Still a limited offensive player, Payton won’t be asking for big money this summer but he is deserving of a servicable contract. The dubs will want to pay the man whatever he asks for, assuming it’s a reasonable price, as Payton is the defensive-minded guard this team needs on its bench.

Then, there is Otto Porter. A veteran shooter and wing defender, the Warriors probably won’t find an upgrade on the market this season. So, it makes all the sense in the world to keep Porter on the roster.