The Golden State Warriors have had an eventful first 3 days of free agency. It’s time to review all that’s happened and what their updated payroll looks like for 2018-19.
Kevin Durant has re-signed to a two-year contract with a player option for the second season. The first year is for $30 million, while that second year would be for $31.5 million.
The biggest surprise was when DeMarcus Cousins was signed using the mid-level exception for 1 year and $5.3 million.
Jacob Evans was drafted 28th overall and was signed to a rookie deal that was for 2 years and worth about $3.6 million.
Coming off a solid playoff stretch, Kevon Looney was re-signed to a 1-year minimum contract worth about $1.5 million.
The Warriors now have 12 players signed for next season: Stephen Curry, Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Cousins, Evans, Looney, Quinn Cook, Damian Jones, and Jordan Bell.
Including the qualifying offer of $1.7 million extended to Patrick McCaw, the total Warriors payroll now stands at about $144 million, which is about $42 million over the salary cap.
That final number is going to be altered a bit depending on if McCaw is retained and if they give out a couple more minimum contracts.
The Warriors are looking like they’re going to fall somewhere in the $20-25 million range above the tax line. Every tax dollar is multiplied by $3.75 at that point.
It’s going to be a steep bill for the Warriors, but ownership has remained committed to doing what it takes to keep this team elite.
The Warriors are expected to add a couple more players with minimum contracts, and it’s going to be interesting to see which players those ultimately end up being.
Whether or not McCaw returns is still a huge question mark as well, and it’s unclear what type of market is developing for him and at what figure the Warriors would match an offer sheet given to him.