Warriors free agents, core members discuss playing futures

The Golden State Warriors have touched back down in the Bay Area with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, continuing intense celebrations following their fourth championship in eight seasons.

But while those celebrations will deservedly continue over the coming months, the NBA moves quickly and attention will now turn to the Warriors’ future and retaining their championship roster.

The Warriors have a number of offseason priorities, including re-signing Looney, Payton II and Porter Jr., plus contract extensions for Wiggins and Poole.

All five players were asked about their playing future in press conferences on Saturday, each with varying responses but with obvious respect for the franchise.

Looney, now a three-time champion after seven years with the Warriors, clearly understands the business side of the league.

The big man was an invaluable piece in the Warriors championship and undoubtedly increased his market value, stating,“I’d love to come back and defend what we just won, but you never know in this league. 

Payton may have been the last player signed to the Warriors 15-man roster, but he became a vitally important part of the playoff rotation, playing 17 minutes per game despite missing 10 games with a fractured left elbow.

When asked whether he wished to re-sign with Golden State, the journeyman emphatically stated, “absolutely”.

Porter is the last of the key trio the Warriors will look to re-sign in free agency, with the 29-year-old worth well more than the minimum contract he signed last offseason. Going off his own comments, there remains a possibility that the lure of another championship could be enough to keep Porter.

"“Man, I learned a lot. How they win. How they go about doing it the right way. There’s really no place like it…Who knows what’s going to happen. I don’t even know…It would be a great opportunity if I could stay here”."

Also on the offseason wishlist, contract extensions for key figures Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.

Both are already locked in for next season, however, the parties may look to secure longer-term deals prior to becoming free agents. A video of the two went viral during championship celebrations, with both referring to ‘getting a bag’.

https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1537653354532323329

Wiggins was arguably the Warriors’ second-best player in the Finals, providing 18.3 points per game while locking down Jayson Tatum and rebounding like a big man. On the prospect of receiving a contract extension, Wiggins said, “I would love to stay here. Being here it’s top notch…We’re all one big family”.

According to front office insider Bobby Marks, a projected Wiggins extension may be in the realms of three years/$81 million.

Poole’s rookie extension may prove more complicated, with the third-year guard making drastic improvements across the last 18 months. His offensive repertoire seems endless, however, defensive limitations caused his minutes to reduce during the Finals.

Although the viral video may suggest otherwise, Poole said, “I’m be completely honest, I haven’t been able to completely fathom or think about that process yet”. Marks believes that a Poole extension may start at around $20 million per season.

NBA free agency begins on the 2nd of August, while Poole and the Warriors have until the 17th of October to agree to his extension. Wiggins, on the other hand, can sign an extension at any point from now until the conclusion of next season.