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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO — One point in the playoffs. Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr and Bob Myers, the general manager, had a discussion about their feelings on not believing that they were a champion team. Although they saw themselves as Western Conference Finals teams, the team didn’t seem to have the same characteristics of champions like the other title teams.
The playoffs began and the Warriors became better with each round.
Kerr said, “As they went, I think Bob (and I) kind of shifted their opinion.” It was almost as if we were getting better and maybe there is a chance.
There is a sense that this team is just beginning and will improve next year. This should be frightening for many in the league. However, for this to happen, the Warriors will need to have most of their players back. This could be tricky.
Golden State has seven agents free of charge, but only two — Chris Chiozza And Quinndary Weatherspoon — are limited. The tax is already $24.6 million more than the team.
Myers stated that “free agency, unrestricted especially… it is within our control to some extent but in some cases it’s not,” during Wednesday’s end-of-season press conference. “I hope that our team will allow us to respond to any offer made by our players. They don’t have the obligation. They don’t have to. If you win and create a positive environment, that’s what you get. It’s possible to match some.
Myers stated, “Our goal is to bring back all those guys and try again. All of them were great in their own ways and each one filled different needs. … Many of our agents were able to have big moments at the NBA Finals. That means they are important.
The Warriors are able to use any agent they wish. Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica, Andre Iguodala, Damion Lee, Gary Payton II And Juan Toscano-Anderson. Looney Porter, Payton and Payton are their key free agents.
Andrew Wiggins And Jordan Poole They are also open to contract extensions. Myers admitted that those agreements may not be reached for a while but he considered them a “big priority.” They have until Oct. 17 for Poole to sign an extension. There is no deadline for Wiggins who is entering his final year of his Minnesota five-year contract.
Myers stated, “All these negotiations take on an independent life.” They are all different. However, I know that Jordan is a man who values training camp and meeting a deadline. Although we are far from knowing what Andrew and his agent want, I know what we want. We want to keep him and we will do everything in our power to keep both of them. They were very important to us.”
The Warriors are unsure of what their roster will look like within the next few weeks. It will be difficult for them have an exact plan going into Thursday’s draft. In which they have the 28th 50th and 51st picks.
“You know what? That’s the, I guess disadvantage of having the draft prior to free agency. Myers stated that we don’t know. “That allows us to say, let’s take one of the best players. Let’s see if we can find a position that is unbalanced and let’s work together to make it right.
Myers indicated that Golden State has many undrafted agents and that he’s not concerned about maintaining a roster spot for anyone.
He also said that money is not the deciding factor as to whether the Warriors keep their picks or trade them. It will come down to impact and fit.
Myers stated that the payroll was already the highest in the league. “Second is not that close. It will all change in time, but Joe [Lacob] has always longed for victory. … It all depends on whether we believe we can get value from free agency for some or all of these guys. We don’t just want to spend. This is not what we did last year.
The final decision on what Myers and Warriors’ front office do with their draft picks is most likely to be made Thursday night. Their free agents will have to wait until early June before any decisions can be made.
However, the Warriors know that they want it back with the same pieces that they had last year. As they strive to live up their words and be even more successful than this championship season,