The Warriors were linked to stars across the league this offseason, including Ben Simmons, Damian Lillard and Pascal Siakam as fans clamor for a return to the dominance they saw over five consecutive runs to the NBA Finals from 2015-19.
However, the Warriors instead didn't make any blockbuster trades and ended up signing Andre Iguodala, Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr. to veteran's minimum contracts as the organization owns the largest payroll in the NBA for the 2021-22 season.
General manager Bob Myers knows fans are frustrated, but stressed the value of the additions in an interview with The San Francisco Chronicle's Rusty Simmons.
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“Most people were looking at bigger things or hoping for bigger things, but we’re very happy with how the whole thing flushed out for us,” Myers told Simmons. “People don’t get super-excited about minimums, but they have to look at the players. At least, that’s how we view it. We really added some quality people and players.”
Indeed, there is reason to be optimistic about each of the above additions.
Iguodala, of course, is a Warriors legend who has an NBA Finals MVP under his belt and still plays solid defense and brings a high basketball IQ at the age of 37.
Bjelica is an excellent outside shooter who will fill some critical minutes as a stretch five who shoots 38.7 percent from 3-point range over his career and stands 6-foot-10.
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Porter is a former top-five draft pick who should provide some depth on the wing and also is a capable shooter from the outside.
By not making a major trade, the Warriors also were able to add two prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft lottery, selecting Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
The Warriors hope to recapture the glory that saw three titles end up in the Bay Area, with much of that glory being tied up in Klay Thompson's expected return this season.
Adding an impact player like Simmons or Bradley Beal might have increased the likelihood of instantly becoming a contender, but it also would have cost a treasure trove of assets, assets that could help the team win now but also in the future.
Whether the ultimate choice was the right one for the Warriors remains to be seen, but the Warriors clearly have committed to trying to win now with the core they have, as well as the young and veteran offseason additions.