We are just about three weeks away from the NBA training camp beginning. Despite how late in the offseason we are, the Golden State Warriors' offseason is far from complete, as they have just nine players on their main roster.
Much of the Warriors' offseason has been halted by the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga saga. The 22-year-old forward is in restricted free agency, and the two sides have been unable to agree to a deal. After a tumultuous four-year relationship, many expect the two sides to part ways; however, nobody has cap space, and the Warriors have a high asking price in a sign-and-trade.
With Kuminga unsigned, the Warriors don't know their exact financial situation, which has hindered them from making moves. Regardless, it's long been reported that they will sign veteran big man Al Horford and reunite with Gary Payton II. They have also been linked to veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.
In the second-round of the playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Golden State in five games. Yes, the Warriors didn't have Steph Curry, but after a seven-game series with a young but talented Houston Rockets squad, and lack of frontcourt size, it's clear the Warriors are a notch below the elite teams in the West. After an uncertain offseason, the Warriors are clearly not contenders in a loaded Western Conference. Many teams, including the Wolves, are in a better spot than the Dubs.
The Warriors need to sort out their roster ASAP
The Warriors must act fast; there's just over a month until the season starts, and having so much uncertainty at this point in the offseason is unprecedented. If they continue to wait, Horford could change his mind, especially if there ends up being less money available for him.
Of course, sorting out the Kuminga fiasco is the top priority. That's easier said than done, and negotiations are tricky. However, after fellow restricted free agent Cam Thomas signed recently, there's some hope for the Warriors.
Given how shaky their relationship has been, it's best for both sides to move on. There are plenty of teams interested in Kuminga, most notably the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Even if the return isn't ideal, the Warriors should take what they can get for Kuminga and round out their roster from there. If they keep waiting, things will only get worse for the Warriors.
The Wolves are clearly better than the Warriors
While the Wolves didn't make any major offseason moves, they brought back most of the core that just made back-to-back conference finals runs. With Anthony Edwards likely taking another leap at 24 and Julius Randle being fully integrated with the team, it's hard not to be optimistic about Minnesota. Sure, the Wolves aren't at the level of Oklahoma City, Houston, or Denver, but they are just a notch below them and clearly above the Warriors.
The Wolves' blend of youth and experience perfectly equips them for a grueling 82-game season. Conversely, the Warriors have three starters 35 or older, four if they sign Horford. Older teams need more depth than the Warriors have. The Los Angeles Clippers offset some of the risks of an older roster with their incredible depth. However, if injuries arise for the Warriors, they could be in some real trouble.
Minnesota has one of the most balanced rosters, ranking in the top 10 in both offense and defense last season. The Wolves also finished with a slightly better record than the Warriors. After an offseason of uncertainty and the Warriors' lack of depth, it's hard to argue they have a better team than the Wolves. Unless you are a Warriors fan, this offseason has been objectively hilarious and odd.