As you will know, the Golden State Warriors obliterated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Finals to the tune of a 4-0 series drubbing. This marks their third championship win in four years, only losing to the Cavs in the 2016 Finals during that spell. The last four NBA Finals have seen the Warriors take on the Cavs, but, now, with Cleveland waning and LeBron James potentially departing, the Warriors look set to extend their dynasty once again next season.
However, there is plenty for the Warriors to do in the offseason before they can embark on another campaign. The needs list isn’t as pressing as most of the other teams in the league, but the needs are necessary for Golden State to continue its almighty dominance.
Keep the core intact
Source: Bleacher Report, via Twitter
When it comes to any dynastic team in any sport, the key has always been to keep the core players together. Losing one or more can throw the whole team out of balance without a viable replacement. This summer, Kevin Durant is set to become a free agent. But, unfortunately for the rest of the league, he’s declared his intentions to remain a Warrior.
The NBA All-Star and NBA Finals MVP in 2017 and 2018 joined the Golden State Warriors following their loss to the Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals. His addition solidified the Warriors as the best team in the league and helped to reignite them to the run of dominance that we’re witnessing today.
Kevin Durant has become a key part of the Golden State core, which also boasts Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. It’s this core that keeps the Warriors in such high standing coming into next season. In the NBA betting, they are the clear favorites to win it all next year at +125, with potential future contenders in the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets the next closest at longer odds of +400. Durant will likely re-sign and the dynasty is expected to continue.
Draft to bolster the rotation
Source: Basket-Infos, via Twitter
Due to the core of the team taking up a huge chunk of their cap, the Golden State Warriors would do well to draft a rotation-ready player as they may struggle in the free agency. In this year’s draft, Golden State has picked number 28, which can certainly be used to bolster the rotation.
Golden State is setting its sights on wing players who can defend and shoot, which leaves them with a few potential options at their spot. Chandler Hutchinson, Grayson Allen, and Jerome Robinson could be available at 28 and could fill a spot in the rotation.
Despite the Warriors being at the tighter end of their salary cap, the fact that they’re expected to continue a dynasty could play a major role in their free agency negotiations. This free agency is set to be stacked with decent rotation players, some of which are coming towards the end of their careers and desperate for a Championship win. As was the case with David West, a strong journeyman-type player may be willing to take a pay cut to join the ride to the title next season.
With some shrewd moves in the offseason, alongside the big-money re-signing of Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors look set to extend their dynasty next season.
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