Reports: Two free agents are top priority for Golden State Warriors

Last season’s job is finished but the next one has only just begun. The Golden State Warriors don’t plan on stopping after the 2022 NBA Finals — they want to start another dynasty.

The Golden State Warriors are looking for longevity and this involves keeping the championship core intact heading into next season.

In order to do this, they have already laid out their top two priorities for the offseason.

Bring back Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II.

Kevon Looney

Anthony Slater of The Athletic has reported that Looney is at the very top of the Warriors’ priority list this summer.

Anyone who watched the Dubs will have no problem telling you why Looney is so important.

He played every single game last season, granting Golden State a sense of stability they desperately needed.

Just as consistent were his performances. You could count on Looney to battle in the paint and play above his height each night.

Looney has played well enough to earn a bigger contract and all signs point toward the Warriors paying up this summer as losing Looney would be far more costly.

Gary Payton II

The tallest 6’3″ man on the planet, you aren’t going to find a guy who plays his role better than Gary Payton II.

His role is a unique one. Rarely is a guard expected to play off-ball as a slashing, offensive rebounder and weak-side cutter. But that is where Payton’s talent resides and the Warriors have found a way to bring the best out of him.

Payton might not always be open — but his backdoor cuts often lead to someone else being open.

Equally as important, he is a hound defensively. It is never a bad thing to have a speedy guard who can check opposing ball handlers full court for 10-15 minutes a night.

Golden State remains the favorite to sign Payton but the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential suitor, showing interest in the newly crowned champ.

The bottom line

The Warriors clearly understand that whatever they had going for them last season worked. Keeping the band together is the ultimate goal this offseason and that means signing both Looney and Payton.