5 reasons we shouldn’t award the 2019 NBA title to the Warriors quite yet
By Micah Wimmer
5. Lack of depth
The Warriors are absolutely capped out. Even with over a half dozen players on expiring contracts, the Warriors already owe over $128 million to returning players — assuming Durant opts in for next season — which is roughly $30 million over the projected salary cap for next season. Most of their cap is tied up with the five members of their Death Lineup, which is good since they should have their core back for at least one more season before they have to resign Thompson and Durant.
However, it is also very bad since it may hold them back as the lack of cap space will prevent the Warriors from signing many, or really any, solid bench players who may help them when their stars are having an off game. Their best chance is to look for veterans who are hoping to cap off their careers with a championship ring and are willing to sign for the minimum. Another option may be to try to find some gems later in the draft, or even buy a pick as they did in order to get Jordan Bell last offseason. While there are certainly options — and I’m hesitant to underestimate the creativity of GM Bob Myers — their flexibility is very limited and that may catch up to them in the coming seasons.