After a tough fight, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night, 121-110.
The Warriors were hampered, particularly by Stephen Curry's hamstring injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
There was hope that the superstar shooter would be able to return at some point in the series, but the Warriors could not extend the series long enough for that to become a reality.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
ESPN Insider reveals 4 offseason needs
The Warriors now head into the offseason with relative uncertainty.
While their core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green remain under contract through the 2-26-27 season, they will be tasked with finding better role players to help support those three.
ESPN's NBA Insider Bobby Marks has identified four critical offseason needs for the Warriors.
"A mobile rim protector, a consistent third scorer, frontcourt depth and a defense-minded reserve guard (especially if they lose Payton to free agency)," wrote Marks.
The Warriors went with Quinten Post down the stretch of the season, but didn't see nearly as much playing time in the playoffs. Trayce Jackson-Davis is a solid athlete, but not quite what the Warriors need in a starting center.
It will be particularly interesting to see what they do with Jonathan Kuminga. Steve Kerr benched Kuminga entirely until Jimmy Butler's injury in the Houston Rockets series forced his hand.
Kuminga performed admirably in Curry's absence and averaged 26 points per game over the series' final three games.
If Kerr has already made the decision to move on from Kuminga, that could mean there's a possibility of a sign-and-trade the Warriors could use to acquire one of their key offseason needs.