Although it would be disappointing, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if the Golden State Warriors failed to reach the promised land this season.
The seven-time NBA champions will have a golden opportunity to bolster their roster in the offseason by making moves that’ll help address their weaknesses.
The Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan recently suggested that the Dubs could cut ties with a $160 million frontcourt duo in favor of a future Hall of Famer.
“The Warriors kept (Jonathan) Kuminga last offseason to keep his salary slot for a potential trade in the future,” Gozlan wrote Tuesday. “That situation became untenable, so they could roll over that scenario with (Kristaps) Porzingis if they extend him.”
“They could look to give both him and (Draymond) Green inflated salaries on a one or two-year deal for a potential All-Star trade. Perhaps they could have both players’ salaries in the high $20 million range, making it easier for them to salary match for a max player like (Giannis) Antetokounmpo.”
Gozlan’s assessment is spot-on: the only logical pathway to acquiring Antetokounmpo this summer is to include Green and Porzingis in a potential deal.
The Warriors likely want to avoid trading Jimmy Butler, even though the former Miami Heat superstar may decline upon his return from an ACL setback.
Additionally, Kuminga and Buddy Hield are no longer in the fold, forcing the Warriors to alter their pursuit of Antetokounmpo by centering a trade around their two most realistic trade assets.
It won’t be easy, but it’s reasonable to assume Golden State will be up for the challenge in the offseason.
More NBA: Cavaliers' James Harden makes depressing statement on retirement