(02-06-2024, 08:00 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: Sounds like saving money. If money was no object, the old Warriors would trade CP3 to get something to help this season and would have already come to an extension agreement with Klay.
This time of year it is hard to know what is positioning and what is real. We also don't know what the new rules will do to teams. If GS didn't have big expiring contracts they'd probably have to trade someone big now before the aggregation rules kick in. As you point out, they have options. I agree the smart move would be a two for one where they get two useful players (doesn't have to be our players though). They can always keep CP3 another year and use him in a deal with picks and youngsters for a bigger splash this summer.
I differentiate saving money (reduce tax payment) and second apron. All reports indicate GSW doesn't have a problem paying the tax and I sincerly doubt this is just positioning. I respect best journalist too highly to think they are just parrots repeating one side of the story.
Second apron is bringing many other problems and my assumption is, all teams will try to stay below it. That is why I think GSW doesn't need to dump contracts now, because they will likely reduce their budget significantly by not guaranteeing CP3 last year (or use him in a trade bringing much less money back). I think they will need to make this move (the alternative is they let Klay walk).
Warriors don't have much to trade and for several years they are walking a thin line between staying competitive while not sacrificing their whole future. That is why they don't trade their youngsters.
I think Klay had very high expectations about his next contract, at least it was reported in this way. He was dreaming about same level deal he has now. Reality is, that even 20 mil per year deal is likely an overpay for what he is still able to do, as his fall from the cliff was deep this season. Same as with the youngsters case. Warriors would like to keep their big three that brought them so much success, but will not sacrifice their whole future for it. I think they will offer him another deal in a 20 per range for old times sake, which will far exceed what other teams would offer.
My main conclusion is - they are not forced to do anything and they will not pay assets just to dump Wiggins for some players that don't make them contenders. Assets are being saved for upgrades only. Players like THJ don't really make them any better as they are. They need an elite 2-way guard to think about contending.