The Golden State Warriors are arguably the NBA's best team right now at 37-8. But if they want to remain at that level next season, it is going to cost them big time money.
Starting power forward Draymond Green is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Green has improved significantly over the last few seasons and could command around $11 million a year. What the Warriors choose to do about his future will likely have a big impact on their salary cap.
"Draymond Green! I'm not allowed per NBA rules as you know to make certain statements about who we're going sign or how hard we're going to try to sign that person," Warriors owner Joe Lacob said. "What I will say is, he was born to be a Warrior. And we love him. I certainly think today as we look at our team, he's part of our core and can't imagine it being otherwise."
Golden State could pay the luxury tax if they choose to keep this talented group of players together. Lacob, to his credit, says he is only focused on winning regardless of the cost.
"Committed or not committed, I don't think we have any other choice," he said. "Numbers would dictate - anyone can look at them - that we're very likely in the luxury tax and very likely very substantially, next year. And you know what? We're OK with that. I tell Bob all the time; he keeps asking me, 'Are you sure?' We're prepared to do whatever it takes to win a championship; I've said that before...Luxury tax? It's not something you want to do, it's very penal.
"But can't be worried about that right now. That is really not the issues. The issue is being the best team we can be and we're going to do whatever it takes."
Golden State could free up some salary cap space by trading David lee ($15.49 million) and/or Andre Iguodala (two years, $22.84 million). Otherwise, Lacob will be expected to keep his word when the time comes. If the Warriors finish this season raising a championship banner, I'm sure he won't mind.
