The Golden State Warriors enter the NBA offseason at a crossroads that will significantly impact their future. While the organization wants to retain its championship core, keeping Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Bob Myers, changes are on the horizon.
Green holds a player option and would become one of the top NBA free agents if he declines it. Thompson is entering a contract year and while he wants to remain with Golden State, a contract extension might only happen if he takes a pay cut.
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While Thompson and Green are expected to return, Golden State’s general manager is increasingly likely to depart. If he leaves, turning down a huge contract offer, there might already be a favorite in the building to replace him as the top Warriors’ decision-maker.
According to Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of The Athletic, former player and current executive Mike Dunleavy Jr. could take over as the Warriors’ general manager.
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“If Myers departs, the wide expectation is an internal promotion instead of an outside search. The Warriors have a strong belief in the front office leadership ladder below Myers. Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been pegged by many as the natural successor. His visibility and responsibility have grown the last two seasons. After the Game 1 loss to the Lakers, Dunleavy was spotted with Myers in the weight room having an extended debrief conversation with Curry and Green, the latest outward signal that he’s being groomed for the position.
The Athletic on Golden State Warriors next general manager
Dunleavy was drafted by Golden State with the third pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. He played for the Warriors from 2002-’07, then had stints with the Indiana Pacers (2007-’11), Milwaukee Bucks (2011-’13), Chicago Bulls (2013-’16), Cleveland Cavaliers (2016-’17) and Atlanta Hawks.
A year after he retired, Dunleavy Jr. joined the Warriors as a pro scout in September 2019. He quickly climbed the executive ladder, earning a promotion to assistant general manager in August 2018 and was then named vice president of basketball operations in 2021.
Dunleavy is one of the fastest-rising executives in the NBA and Golden State could be operating. under a belief other teams will target him as a general manager within the next year if they don’t act quickly. If Myers leaves the Warriors, Dunleavy Jr is his likely replacement.