Forbes Sports salary cap expert breaks down how Warriors can add a star without losing core
Patrick Murray joins the LGW Vidcast to crunch some numbers and stir up the pot with Dub Nation
With the NBA season coming to a close, the Golden State Warriors have some huge decisions looming on the horizon. What do they do with that lottery pick? Are they willing to absorb the tax ramifications of using the MLE? Heck, how much money will they even have in the salary cap with the pandemic putting the NBA’s finances in uncharted territory?
With all of this to ponder, LGW brought in the big guns to work it all out. Patrick Murray, senior correspondent with Forbes Sports (and friend of ours from the GSOM days), is here to examine the intricacies of the Golden State dilemma. He also has a FASCINATING take on who the Warriors should draft (Hint: it’s not Wiseman!).
Here are the timestamps for the convo:
1:35 Patrick explains how the pandemic directly affects the future salary cap
3:13 Should the Warriors even use the MLE option since it could push them into big salary cap tax trouble?
6:54 Patrick’s dream scenario for stealing away a particular Boston player
10:23 The evidence for why the Warriors DON’T need to rush and get a center in the draft
18:25 Patrick reveals who he believes is the best player available in the draft
28:43 Patrick asks a very difficult question for Dub Nation to consider
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If we want big, Dwight Howard can be had and he's still got steam in his engine. If we want to march into the future with at least part of the core intact, Anthony Davis for the pick along with Green or Wiggins. I would even consider trading Klay for Davis. Lakers need a SG. AD is more than just a big man.
Toppin is also more than just a big man and that's what makes him interesting to consider. This draft represents a chance to build for the future as well as contend for a title next season. Both can be achieved with very astute picks in 2020 & 2021 or trades. My fear is that the Warriors will be risk adverse in not moving forward into the future and not even considering a major trade like Klay or Green plus the pick. Fear of change can stifle creativity and the Warriors have shown a lot of both. Star power puts asses in the seats, for sure, but doesn't guarantee any ring. Look at the Clips, the Bucks, and Houston. Time does not stand still. The Spurs are still the Gold Standard for longevity and rings, I believe.
Great stuff, D&D! I could watch you guys and Patrick all day. I was almost persuaded by Patrick’s case for Obi Toppin ... but not quite. The Blake Griffin comp was kinda the kiss of death for me. It’s not that Blake is bad, but if that’s your absolute upside?
No Wiseman has the power to reason away / what a fool belieeeeeves he seeeees....