Golden State Warriors: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 1: The impending free agency of two All-Stars

The run Golden State has been able to put together couldn’t have possibly come to fruition without the tiniest spec of luck.

Following a breakout campaign that helped the Warriors to their first title in over 40 years, Draymond Green signed a deal worth approximately $8 million less than the max he could’ve earned.

When it came to pursuing the skills of a Kevin Durant in the summer of 2016, such a plan was only possible due to a significant spike in the salary cap that offseason coupled with the added money drawn from the ridiculously cheap contract of a pre-MVP Stephen Curry.

Now, with two of their core players in Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant set to hit the market in 2019, not only will the Warriors have to wonder just how willing they are to dive deep into the luxury tax, but the All-Star duo might look around to see what else is out there.

Despite winning back to back Finals MVP’s, KD still doesn’t seem satisfied with his stature among NBA followers and may try to win elsewhere in order to alter his reputation.

Thompson has given no indication of leaving the only NBA franchise he’s ever known, even showing a possible willingness to take a pay cut on his next deal in order to keep this dynasty chugging along. But after years of being in the shadows of his more vocal teammates, he may want his time as the main attraction.

To predict what all three sides will do is foolish, as plenty can change from now until July. However, given the ramifications the departure of one or both of these star players could have on the league, many will be keeping an eye out for even the subtlest of clues.