Why Bob Myers decision is so important for the Golden State Warriors

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Golden State Warriors, but one big storyline is going a little under the radar as we enter the offseason following the defending champions’ elimination.

General manager Bob Myers is out of contract at the end of June, and is reportedly undecided on his future with the franchise. The 48-year-old has been in the role since April 2012, having previously been signed as an assistant general manager 12 months earlier.

Keeping Bob Myers could be the difference between the Golden State Warriors preserving its dynasty, or watching it collapse completely.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Myers is torn on the decision and plans to take a couple of weeks to make up his mind about his future with the team.

During his 12-year tenure in Golden State, the Warriors have been to the playoffs nine times, making the NBA Finals in six of those seasons, and capturing four championships. Myers was also named Executive of the Year for the 2014-15 season and 2016-17 season, one of only 11 general managers in league history to win the award multiple times.

After running out of gas in the second round of the playoffs, the Warriors intend to run it back with their core guys next season. Draymond Green is due for a new contract should he opt out of his player option, and Klay Thompson is extension eligible with one season left on his current deal. In order to preserve its nucleus, Golden State may eventually have to ask either Thompson or Green to take a pay cut, and there is no doubt that Myers is the man the Warriors want facilitating those negotiations.

Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that a request for Thompson to take a pay cut might “land softer” coming from Myers, who has garnered a ton of admiration and respect within the organization.

Myers signed both Thompson and Stephen Curry to their first contract extensions in 2012 and 2014 respectively. When the Warriors reached a crossroads in 2013-14, losing in the second-round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was Myers who made the tough call to fire Mark Jackson and appoint Steve Kerr as head coach.

"“Bob is huge for us,” Draymond Green told reporters back in March. “Some GMs put a team together and then they go into their office and watch to see if it works. You don’t see many GMs working daily, having conversations with guys, keeping a pulse of the team, and then having those tough conversations. General managers don’t do that in this league.”"

Myers has been as integral to the Warriors’ success as anyone else, players and coaches included, and a decision on his future is expected in the coming weeks. From a franchise perspective, they’ll be hoping to come to an agreement with Myers that sees him retain at Golden State long-term.