When Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors, it felt like we were getting ready to write the obituary for the dynasty Dubs.
After all, how could they re-sign Klay Thompson and then look under their couch cushions for change (from a salary cap point of view) to pay for the depth the team so badly needed in the postseason as the Toronto Raptors took down the banged-up Warriors in the Finals?
The answer is what the team has done since July 1, and it means they should still be counted among the contenders when the season starts this fall.
Let’s start with the bad news: Losing Andre Iguodala — whom they were forced to trade to make room for the D’Angelo Russell sign-and-trade — is significant. His versatility, defensive prowess and court vision were a huge part of the reason why the team won three rings in five years. He will be missed for sure. I don’t need to point out that Durant’s departure is monumental.
But I’ve come around since initially deeming them losers on Day 1. Getting Russell was shocking, with all the speculation swirling that the Nets would turn the restricted free agent loose after agreeing to sign Kyrie Irving and that he’d sign with a point guard-needy team like the Suns or Timberwolves. Now, the Warriors have another All-Star on the roster. It’s absolutely correct to question the fit alongside another ball-dominant guard like Curry, and when Thompson returns from his ACL tear, it might get crowded.
But, man, what if they figure all of that out? And the other question is, if they don’t, what can they get for a first-time All-Star who posted career-highs in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, assists and points? If the Warriors struggle by midseason, they can trade the guard and get back a significant package in return.
Here’s how the Warriors might try to make Russell fit in: They reportedly signed center Willie Cauley-Stein to a steal of a contract. The two of them can run more pick-and-roll plays:
The team also re-signed Kevon Looney to a surprisingly team-friendly deal — I bet he would have gotten more had he left:
There will be long-term questions that will need to be answered next offseason, specifically about what the Warriors will do about free-agent-to-be Draymond Green. They gave up future first-round picks in the Iguodala and Russell deals.
For now, heading into a season in which Golden State will play in a new arena and while Curry and Thompson are still in their primes, the Warriors are a force to be reckoned with.
