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*Photo via Clutchpoints
After coming off a record 73-win season and being 2 minutes away from back to back championships in a Game 7, it's almost ridiculous to think that the Golden State Warriors could improve in the slightest. But having won the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, on paper, this team could potentially leapfrog last years Warriors squad in terms of offensive play, making them the favorite to win it all next season.
But signing a player of KD's caliber on a team with 3 other max deal players does come with a few drawbacks. Locking him into a 2-year, $54.3 million deal meant that core pieces and backups such as Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Andrew Bogut, Leandro Barbosa, Mo' Speights, Anderson Varejao and Brandon Rush had to go.
However, filling these openings with talent on a tight budget may not be as difficult a task for GM Bob Myers as one would think. After coming to an agreement with big-man Zaza Pachulia and vet journeyman David West, the GSW have become a veteran paradise. Rumors have been swirling of interest from the camps of 3-point great Ray Allen, former Warrior Stephen Jackson and seasoned big man Larry Sanders to join the roster, all vet minimums. Players are leaving more money on the table from other teams in hopes of winning a championship with this historic ensemble.
What seemed like a potential nightmare of signing one of the best players and not having the money for a supporting cast has turned into a win-win for the Warriors, getting solid veteran play for peanuts and the allure of an almost guaranteed championship. It should be fun to see how next season pans out.