Joe Lacob, the owner of the Golden State Warriors, has hinted at the possibility of significant changes to the team's roster in the offseason if their performance continues to decline. In an interview with The Athletic's Tim Kawakami, Lacob discussed two potential plans for the team's future, with a particular emphasis on the option for substantial roster adjustments.
"Plan 1B is: We can make big changes if we had to. If this team were to slide all the way down and not do well at the end of the year, you know there’s going to be big changes. If we do really well, we might decide to go the other way."
"So, everything’s open. We have to be flexible. The goal is to not be a lottery team, ever. The goal is to be competitive. The goal is to win. And ideally, if it’s possible, to win championships or compete for championships."
Lacob outlined a scenario, referred to as "Plan 1B," where the Warriors would be open to making big changes if the team's fortunes do not improve. He stressed the importance of remaining flexible and responsive to the team's performance, indicating that if the Warriors were to struggle and fall short of expectations, significant roster shake-ups would be on the table. Conversely, if the team were to perform well, they might opt to maintain their current roster or even make additional additions.
Under "Plan 1B," the Warriors would be prepared to undertake a thorough evaluation of their roster and make bold decisions to address any shortcomings. This could involve trades, free-agent signings, or other maneuvers aimed at reshaping the team's composition and addressing areas of weakness.
Furthermore, the Warriors have already hinted at the prospect of significant roster changes, evidenced by their reported pursuit of LeBron James during the recent trade deadline. This pursuit suggests that the organization is willing to explore bold moves to reshape the team's dynamics and competitiveness.
The financial burden on the Golden State Warriors due to player salaries and luxury taxes is staggering. Currently, the team finds itself $88.4 million over the NBA's 2023-24 salary cap and $23.2 million above the second apron.
Last season, the Warriors faced a similar situation, shelling out roughly $350 million in combined player salaries and luxury taxes. Despite these astronomical figures, the team's on-court performance fell short of expectations, culminating in a second-round exit from the postseason. This season has seen the Warriors struggle to find consistency, currently holding a 26-26 record through 53 games, placing them in 10th place.
With the Warriors' expenditures exceeding $350 million, one would naturally expect the team to be a frontrunner for the championship title. However, this season, despite the anticipation of even higher costs, their current record falls short of such expectations.
This stark reality underscores the urgency for the organization to reassess its financial strategy and roster composition to align with its championship aspirations. Ultimately, Lacob's remarks underscore the team's commitment to excellence and their willingness to explore all options to ensure their competitiveness.
The Warriors' Title-Winning Years Are Coming To Bite Them
The Golden State Warriors' dynasty years of dominance in the NBA, marked by consistent postseason appearances, NBA Finals appearances, and championship victories, are now showing signs of their toll on the team.
Over the past nine years, the Warriors have been a consistent force in the playoffs, making it seven times out of nine, reaching the NBA Finals six times, and clinching the title four times. However, the prolonged success has come with its own set of challenges, both physically and financially.
The strain on the players' bodies from the rigorous postseason campaigns has been evident, with injuries becoming a recurring issue. Draymond Green has faced multiple injuries, Stephen Curry has battled through his own injury woes, and Klay Thompson endured significant setbacks, missing two and a half seasons due to back-to-back injuries.
Financially, the cost of maintaining a championship-caliber roster has been substantial. With star players like Curry, Thompson, and Green commanding hefty salaries totaling over $118 million alone, the Warriors' payroll reflects the price of retaining top talent.
Moreover, the burden of injuries not only affects the team's on-court performance but also adds pressure on the organization to make adjustments to the roster and strategic planning. As the Warriors navigate the challenges stemming from their championship-winning years, they must find a balance between sustaining success and managing the consequences of their past achievements.
More must-reads: