The Golden State Warriors are two years removed from their last NBA Finals appearance.
It seems like a lifetime ago when they were dominating the league.
For two full seasons after a five-year dynastic run; they have not made the postseason.
That has to change for next season.
Especially now that they have Stephen Curry for the long-term.
Steph Curry will extend his contract off his $45.8 million salary for 2021-22, which means he’s now guaranteed $261 million over the next five seasons. pic.twitter.com/hYiBpI6Eo4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021
There is no rebuilding model for their future.
Contending is the only process that the Warriors need to believe in.
That is why this offseason has been important.
They are out making moves and trying to position themselves back at the top of the Western Conference.
With the offseason continuing, are the Warriors the second-best team in the West going into next season?
Loading Up With Talent
This season’s squad had a problem with their depth.
They had tons of players playing in a big games that should not have been there.
The Warriors are trying their hardest to change that this season.
For the draft, they selected Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Then in free agency, they have acquired Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter.
Otto Porter Jr. has agreed to sign with the Warriors, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/WeYmvTc2bj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 3, 2021
The Warriors might not be done either.
They have had their sights on several veterans.
One of those veterans is a former member of those dynasty teams.
Andre Iguodala is toward the end of his career, but he wants to play for a title one more time.
Andre Iguodala is expected to speak to the Warriors in free agency, per @ByTimReynolds pic.twitter.com/ntGMcjK9F6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 1, 2021
That is where the Warriors fit in.
He was with them for six seasons and even won Finals MVP back in 2015.
This would be a homecoming for him if the Warriors offer him a contract soon.
The lack of veterans on that bench really hindered their playoff chances.
Hopefully, the new additions, plus the young draft picks, can help the Warriors climb up the conference.
Who Is Standing In Their Way?
The Western Conference looks like it will be dominated by the newly constructed Los Angeles Lakers.
They were the defending champions heading into the season until injuries plagued them throughout the season.
In the first round, they lost to the Phoenix Suns.
Now, they are re-tooled and looking to reclaim their spot at the top.
However, there has to be a second team in the West.
The Suns are the defending Western Conference champions, but that could have been a simple result of injuries around the league.
Then there are the Utah Jazz, who were the number one seed.
However, they lost in the second round to the Los Angeles Clippers without Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard has a torn ACL, and so does Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets.
The West is open for a team to take over a top spot.
The Warriors added those pieces, but more importantly are getting back Klay Thompson.
Thompson has not played in two years recovering from two different lower extremity injuries.
With the Lakers as the clear cut favorite, someone needs to be number two.
The Warriors should be the pick.
Curry is still elite and they are getting some big guns back.
Look out for the Warriors next season.
NEXT: Grading Steph Curry's Monster Extension With Warriors