The Golden State Warriors reached summit and will reign atop the NBA until next season. But just as NBA championship team must do, the offseason will be spent trying to keep the roster in place.
When your squad just outlasted 29 other teams, abiding “If it ain't broke, don't fix it” is definitely an acceptable strategy. Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, and Otto Porter Jr. all played key roles in their championship run. But given the Warriors' gargantuan luxury tax bill, keeping them all will certainly be a challenge.
According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Warriors are reportedly doing all they can to make it happen, to varying degrees of success. With Kevon Looney, the expectation is that the starting center will remain in Golden State on a $10 million per year salary.
The reigning-champion Warriors are expected to retain Kevon Looney. Rivals believe his salary will be approximately $10 million over a multi-year deal.
But it gets a little dicey with Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. With both players on the cusp of turning 30, this is likely their best chance at one last relatively hefty paycheck.
Golden State is hopeful to retain Gary Payton II, sources said, but a suitor that offers the full mid-level could pry him free. Otto Porter Jr. is expected to receive multiple offers for the taxpayer mid-level, putting his future with the Warriors in doubt.
The Warriors could very well find suitable replacements should the two end up signing elsewhere, as they have done in the past. But if the price is right, keeping them around would be the most ideal as not to mess with a good thing.