NBA Finals 2017: 5 reasons the Warriors repeat as champions
By Connor Learn
3. The best contenders are capped out
The Cavaliers are the most obvious threat to the Warriors repeating as NBA champions. They have negative-26 million in cap space heading into the summer and can only release roughly $16 million with cap holds on current players. They are going to be incapable of making a major free agency addition unless they trade more than half of their roster. Rumors of a Kevin Love-Paul George swap are out there and represent their best chance at improving their roster in a big way. No one is certain exactly what the Cavs will do this summer, but the odds of them returning with an improved roster are slim.
Similarly to Cleveland, San Antonio and Houston can’t make major signings with their cap situation this summer. The Spurs would need to renounce all of their current free agents, have Pau Gasol opt out of his deal, and trade Tony Parker to clear up major cap room. It is possible for them to make a major splash this offseason, but unlikely at this point. The Rockets have some cap space, but it is limited. They won’t be able to make a splash either. Boston could be positioned to make moves, but likely not enough to beat the Warriors. It really is doubtful that anyone close to them can improve enough to close the gap and overcome the Warriors.