The Golden State Warriors are pushing towards what they hope is another sustained playoff run, and with four-straight wins there’s reason for optimism among the defending champions. That doesn’t mean the franchise doesn’t have one eye on the future, and specifically the offseason where there’s some key decisions to be made.
Complicating matters is that Golden State’s general manager, Bob Myers, is also out of contract at season’s end. That in itself is a task for owner Joe Lacob, with the loss of Myers sure to put a dent in plans should that eventuate.
The Golden State Warriors face an intriguing offseason with plenty of choices to be made about the construction of next season’s roster.
How this season pans out will clearly have an impact on the Warriors’ plans moving forward, and that starts with an offseason that could shape the future of the franchise. Let’s have a look at three offseason tasks Golden State will already be working on.
1. A new contract for Draymond Green.
This is by far the most pressing issue for the Warriors, though the decision largely rests with Green himself. The 33-year-old can opt into a $27.6 million option for next season, or opt out and become an unrestricted free agent.
Green is likely to opt out of the option in the aim of securing a longer term deal, even if that means taking less dollars per season. Last week Spotrac’s Keith Smith evaluated that Green and the franchise could come together on a three-year, $60 million contract, which would guarantee the four-time champion more money while also helping Golden State’s exorbitant luxury tax bill.
That would seem unders for Green given his still relatively high level of form this season, however there’s few teams with salary cap space that could realistically offer him more. It’s hard to picture him in a different team’s jersey, but it’s possible should the Warriors fail to meet his financial demands.
A former Defensive Player of the Year, legend of the franchise, and a future Hall of Famer, the Warriors can’t afford to lose Green should they wish to remain in championship contention next season and beyond.