Ranking 7 Warriors from least to most likely to be traded to shed salary
By Tyler Watts
The Golden State Warriors have been the best team in the NBA over the last decade. Their four championships and six finals appearances in nine years speak for themselves. It is a credit to the entire organization, and the Dubs just lost a key piece of it with the departure of Bob Myers.
Myers was the architect of their run that featured plenty of genius moves. The 48-year-old was regarded as one of the best decision-makers in the league, and he won’t be easy to replace.
His successor has a difficult job in store. The NBA created a second tax apron (subscription required) in the new CBA that is a direct target of the highest spending teams like the Dubs. Now, there will be severe roster restrictions for those clubs, and it will likely cause them to curtail their spending. The penalties are expected to be phased in over two years, but the Warriors have decisions to make and salaries to trim soon.
Ranking Warriors from least to most likely to be traded to shed salary
No way and not worth it: Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Donte DiVincenzo, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Ryan Rollins
Curry is the Warriors’ highest-paid player for good reason. The nine-time All-Star has been their best player throughout the four championships, and Dubs are not trading him under any circumstances. Curry is still elite and the face of the franchise.
Moody continues to improve, and the 21-year-old is set to make $3.9 million next season. The Warriors are not acquiring anyone with his upside at that salary.
Donte DiVincenzo has a $4.7 million player option for next season, and he is on a team-friendly contract. The Warriors are hoping he returns, but the 6’4 guard may opt out for more money in free agency.
Baldwin Jr. and Rollins are on rookie deals, so shedding their salary does little to the Warriors’ books. The other seven players under contract are all candidates to be moved if Golden State wants to trim its payroll this summer, and here is a ranking from least to most likely to be sent packing.
7. Andrew Wiggins
This may come as a surprise because Draymond Green and Klay Thompson have played key roles in all four championships, but both players are in their mid-30s and need new contracts. Assuming they do not want to stick around at an extreme discount, the Dubs will only have to pay more for what could be declining years for both players.
Wiggins is 28 years old, under contract until at least 2026, and makes under $28.2 million for each of the next three years. The 6’7 wing has become an elite shooter since joining the Warriors and his defense is key when facing bigger wings like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum. Wiggins is in the middle of his prime and provides value on both ends of the floor.
The Warriors do not win the championship in 2022 without Andrew Wiggins, and they need him on the roster moving forward to stay in contention. Draymond and Klay are both going to want more money than Wiggins, but the 28-year-old is likely to be the better player in three years if he is not already.
Andrew Wiggins’ extension should keep him on the Golden State Warriors for the foreseeable future, even if the Dubs decide to shred some salary.