The Golden State Warriors have managed to build a championship contender around Steph Curry since drafting him. Throughout the years, he has delivered four championship titles. Several years ago, due to injuries, they tried a two-timeline strategy, drafting young players who might take on the mantle as he ages and retires. Yet, that strategy has backfired. According to reports, the new plan is for the Warriors to pursue some big names in two years.
The Warriors’ Secret Post-Curry Plan Finally Revealed
According to Sam Amick from The Athletic, the Warriors are determined to chase a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokić in the summer of 2027. That’s when they will have cap flexibility for the first time since 2016, when they got Kevin Durant. In his latest report, Amick says:
“They want to maintain maximum flexibility for that 2027 summer. The Warriors, who are well aware that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver’s Nikola Jokic both have player options for the 2027-28 season, are hardly alone on this star-hunting front. High-profile teams like the Lakers and Clippers have sent similar signals in recent months.”
By that point, both Giannis and Jokic will be 32 years old. They will still have three to four good years left in them. Jokic decided to postpone extension talks with the Denver Nuggets this summer. The Bucks have gone all-in trying to squeeze one more title run with Giannis. But if that plan backfires, it might be time for both sides to part ways. The Warriors are hoping that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available in the summer of 2027, and they will have the assets to offer him a chance of competing for a championship.
Getting a Sense of the Warriors’ Cap Situation
When the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler, they essentially threw away the two-timeline period. They also heavily invested in a two-year window. Right now, the trio of Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler are all signed for the next two years. After that, Curry will be 39, Butler will be 38, and Green will be 37. Whether they want to continue playing after that is anyone’s guess.
Keeping cap space for the summer of 2027 is one of the reasons they are reluctant to offer Jonathan Kuminga a long-term deal. Their latest offer is with a team option for the 2027-28 season, giving them flexibility to clear space for possibly two max players.
Right now, they have only Moses Moody signed for the 2027-28 season, and Buddy Hield has a player option. Depending on what the Warriors do with players they sign in the following year or so, they might be able to have space for two or three max players. But let’s wait and see how they structure contracts in the future.
Other Teams Waiting for Summer of 2027
The problem for the Warriors is that they are not the only team with their sight set on the summer of 2027. We can argue they have as good a position with first-round picks in 2028, ’29, ’31, and ’32. They might also have Curry on a low contract for one or two more years.
But teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and the Dallas Mavericks are also hoping to have cap space in 2027. Right now, the Warriors have only $23 million in committed salary for the 2027-28 season. The Mavs have $104 million (without Kyrie Irving‘s new contract), but with the cap rising, they might be able to get a max spot. They might have to make a move or two to get there, but it is possible.
The Lakers will have around $70 or $80 million in committed salary, with Luka Doncic’s new contract kicking in. The Clippers have only Ivica Zubac signed for the 2027-28 season, and only $26 million in committed salary. The Heat have Bam Adebayo and $63 million in committed salary.
If Giannis or Jokic re-sign with their current teams, these strategies will go down the drain. Both are great players and worth the wait.
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