Warriors Rumors: Drop in Salary Cap 'Unlikely' to Impact Approach to Roster

The Golden State Warriors will do what's necessary to return to title contention regardless of the NBA's salary cap for 2020-21. 

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors are unlikely to let a drop in the cap change how they approach roster-building. Owner Joe Lacob reportedly projects a "three- or four-year window" to win another title with the core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

Marc Berman of the New York Post first reported in May the cap will likely be lowered.

"There is so much uncertainty with the coronavirus pandemic, but one thing is for sure: The salary cap will be lowered, according to league sources," Berman wrote.  

One team executive reportedly estimated a decline of $25-30 million, per Bobby Marks of ESPN.

This would especially hurt the Warriors, who have the highest active cap for 2020-21, with $148.2 million on the books before the start of free agency, per Spotrac.

Curry is set to make $43 million next season, while Thompson, Green and Andrew Wiggins are each due over $20 million.

Per Marks, the Warriors would have a penalty of $45 million based on the projected luxury-tax line of $139 million and a cap of $115 million. If that line drops as expected based on the basketball-related income this year, the Warriors' tax would jump to $160 million.

Despite the high costs, the organization clearly thinks it has a contending team.

The squad struggled to a league-worst 15-50 record in 2019-20, but that was without Thompson (ACL) and with just five games of Curry (hand). Wiggins played 12 games with Golden State after a February trade.

A full campaign from these players would go a long way toward helping the Warriors return to title contention, not to mention the club should have an early draft pick this offseason.

After going to five straight NBA Finals and winning three titles, Golden State is looking to extend its dynasty a few years longer.