5 Moves Warriors should make after acquiring Chris Paul
By Tyler Watts
3. Trim tax bill
If the Golden State Warriors let Draymond Green walk in free agency and just sign minimum players from here, they are projected to pay a $48.5 million tax bill this summer. Bringing back Green will push that number north of $130 million, depending on how much he makes next season. It will be a hefty bill on top of the team’s $200-plus million payroll. Owner Joe Lacob could pay over $400 million next season alone if the Dubs do not shave money off their books.
The Warriors made a small cost-cutting move at the end of draft night by trading Patrick Baldwin Jr., the 28th pick in 2022, for the 57th selection in 2023. Golden State picked Trayce Jackson-Davis, a 23-year-old, 6’9 forward that could crack the rotation quickly. The trade saved the Dubs nearly $10 million.
More moves like that could come with Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga firmly on the trade block to try to save money. Replacing their collective $14.7 million with two minimum contracts would save Golden State over $35 million when counting their luxury tax payments.
The Golden State Warriors want to keep their core together to compete for a championship in 2024, but they have to be smart about cutting the excess from their payroll in the present and future.