2. Take calls on Kuminga & GP II
If the Warriors plan on keeping Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Chris Paul, they cannot afford to spend on role players. It keeps them above the second tax apron and increases their luxury tax bill. The Dubs will have to trim those extra dollars to keep their spending in check, and it likely starts this summer by shopping Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga.
GPII played just 16.0 minutes per game and in 19 total contests between the regular season and playoffs after the trade. The 6’3 guard is set to make $8.7 million next season, and he has a $9.1 million player option for the 2024-25 campaign. The Warriors will spend roughly three times his salary to keep him on the roster in luxury tax payments. They cannot afford that luxury.
Kuminga makes just $6.0 million next season and is under contract for $7.6 million the following year. The Dubs still believe in the 21-year-old’s potential, but they may be better off dealing him to the highest bidder.
The Golden State Warriors should be taking calls on both players as free agency opens. As teams miss out on targets, they will likely circle back to the Dubs. Keeping that line of communication open could help Golden State maximize their return for the two role players.