Warriors GM steps down after stressful season
The Golden State Warriors have big decisions to make this summer. They'll have to make them without the architect of the team.
Bob Myers joined the Warriors in 2011 and became the team's general manager a year later. In his first draft, he selected three key members of the Warriors' first title team in 2015: Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli. In 2016, the Warriors added free agent Kevin Durant, thanks to Myers' recruitment efforts and roster moves to clear space, and they won two more titles.
After Klay Thompson tore his ACL in 2019, Myers worked a sign-and-trade for Durant's departure to Brooklyn, acquiring D'Angelo Russell and subsequently flipping him for Andrew Wiggins and a pick that became Jonathan Kuminga, who both made contributions to Golden State's 2022 title team.
Even after the Warriors won the title, owner Joe Lacob didn't extend Myers' expiring deal. The sides couldn't reach a contract this season, as the two remained far apart on money, while Myers weighed whether he wanted to continue with the organization. A former sports agent who already switched careers once at age 36, Myers may simply be interested in other opportunities.
He also may be burnt out. This season, Myers had to deal with Green punching Jordan Poole, Wiggins' mysterious long absence, the controversial James Wiseman-Gary Payton II trade, Klay Thompson's "mental block" about offseason conditioning and multiple Steph Curry injuries. Perhaps he needs a break.
Who's going to take over? Golden State is expected to promote from within. Vice president of basketball operations Mike Dunleavy Jr. is Myers' most likely successor, while the owner's son, Kirk Lacob, could also see increased power and responsibilities.
The influence of the Lacob family may have contributed to Myers' departure as well. According to The Athletic, the Warriors' group of decision-makers included Myers, Dunleavy, former player Shaun Livingston, Lacob and his two sons. Myers may have been concerned about losing power to the owner's kids.
Golden State has let star executive talent leave in the past. In 2017, consultant Jerry West left the team after Lacob reportedly cut his salary in half. West ended up with the L.A. Clippers, who added Kawhi Leonard and Paul George at the same time the Warriors lost Durant.
Now, the Warriors face an offseason where they have big decisions on new contracts for Green and Thompson, an impending luxury tax crisis, questions about Poole's lucrative contract, and trying to maintain a championship roster with only salary cap exceptions to work with.
It's a tough job, and it won't be Myers' problem anymore.
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