
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.