For the first time in what seems like ages, the Golden State Warriors are entering an offseason in which they face genuine concerns.
Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are both free agents, and even if they both re-sign, they are both dealing with major injuries. Durant will likely miss all of next season with a ruptured Achilles, and Thompson will be out for at least a good chunk with a torn ACL.
Not only that, but the Warriors have to worry about Draymond Green's impending free agency in 2020.
As a result, Warriors owner Joe Lacob is admitting that the team's future is a bit cloudy right now:
“It's very complicated,” Lacob said, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. “Once I get through being depressed about the injuries, I'm actually excited about the challenge. How do we stay competitive? What's our plan? Frankly I've already formulated one. I've been talking with Bob and [assistant GM] Kirk [Lacob] and we've got a couple ideas.”
And here's the kicker: even if Golden State ends up retaining Durant and Thompson, which is most certainly the franchise's top priority, it could face a total payment of $375 million between salary and luxury taxes next season.
We all knew the Warriors' dynasty would have to come to an end sooner or later, but the way in which things have unraveled over the last week was certainly not expected.
Both Durant and Thompson suffered their respective injuries in the NBA Finals, with Durant going down in Game 5 and Thompson sustaining his knee injury in Game 6.
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