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The Golden State Warriors, specifically Steve Kerr, understand that everything must come to an end at some point. According to much speculation, the Warriors coach knows his team’s run has a year or so left. The Warriors have been able to hold it off thanks to Kevin Durant taking less money, but will Klay Thompson do the same? Then again, what happens when DeMarcus Cousins hits the court?
Thompson will become a free agent in 2019. And while he’s making $17 million in his current deal, Thompson will more than likely demand a max contract. The Warriors will have to make a decision regarding what to do with the other half of the “Splash Brothers.”
What also complicates matters is that Durant, Cousins, and Jordan Bell will be free agents in 2019. Defensive specialist Draymond Green will be a free agent in 2020. The Warriors must decide how much championships are worth?
Let’s say they wanted to keep their core together in 2019. That will leave the Warriors paying Curry $40 million, Thompson $25 million (depending on what he agrees to), Durant $25 million (if he agrees to another discount), and then Green $18 million. That’s more than $108 million for four players and they still have to find a Center and must manage their bench.
How Will The Warriors Dynasty End?
If the Golden State Warriors win another title this season, how will they re-up for another run in 2019? Due to contracts, we should be able to ink Curry and Green in next year. But Durant and Thompson could be gone. Now, this is where Cousins comes into play. If he comes in and dominates, then the Warriors must consider his impact. He's the big man the team has been craving for since their run began four years ago.
Can the Warriors still win with Curry, Green, and Cousins? Or will they have to sacrifice trying to resign Thompson and trading Green while keeping Durant just to keep Cousins? In their eyes, they must think about what letting a young powerful player like Cousins walk out the door could mean.
Imagine the Warriors letting Cousins walk and he signs with the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics. Why let a force like Cousins leave for the competition? Now, letting Thompson or Green go is not the same. Cousins is a one-of-a-kind player. His presence is nothing like having Andrew Bogut, JaVale McGee or Zaza Pachulia in the post. The Warriors may not know what they have until they finish celebrating in June.
Green has become more of a headcase as each year passes. Losing his tough defense will sting but who's to say Bell can't come in and be just as productive and for cheaper? Losing Thompson will be a huge blow but the Warriors would be smart to do a sign and trade with another team like the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal or maybe the Portland Trail Balzers for C.J. McCollum. There are options.
DeMarcus Cousins destroying the Warriors' dynasty should not be looked upon as a bad thing. Everything comes to an end and the Warriors run is no different. While it's the end of something great, it could also the beginning of their second act.
