The Warriors' attempt at a three-peat came up short.
Golden State’s bid at history came to an end when it fell to the Raptors 114-110 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. Kyle Lowry scored 26 points to lead the Raptors to the victory while Pascal Siakam chipped in 26, as well. Klay Thompson finished with 30 in the losing effort but left in the third quarter with a knee injury.
The Warriors now turn their attention to the offseason as their roster could look different in 2019-20.
Here are three questions Golden State will soon have to answer:
What will happen with Kevin Durant?
This is arguably the biggest question of the offseason.
All season long, the 30-year-old star was expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. He had reportedly been considering leaving the Warriors and was linked to the Knicks, Clippers, and Nets, among others.
But, Durant ruptured his Achilles in Game 5 against the Raptors and will be out for most, if not all, of next season.
It is unclear if the injury changes Durant’s offseason plans. He could utilize his player option and return to the Warriors, although that is reportedly his last resort. Or, he could still choose to sign elsewhere — at least three teams, as well as the Warriors, are still open to giving him a max contract, according to ESPN.
Durant’s choice will have a major impact on Golden State's future, one way or the other.
Who will play center?
The Warriors will enter the offseason with a big hole in the middle of their lineup.
DeMarcus Cousins surprisingly signed a one-year deal with Golden State last July. He was inconsistent in 2018-19 and also dealt with a torn quad during the playoffs. But he’ll still most likely be out of the Warriors’ price range this summer and he’s expected to receive a bigger contract from another team.
Kevon Looney and Jordan Bell are both also set to become free agents.
The Warriors appear like they will attempt to re-sign either Looney or Bell, if not both. They also could look to add a big man via trade or with the mid-level exception.
Damian Jones, who has played in just 49 NBA games, has one season remaining on his contract and should be back with Golden State in 2019-20, as well.
How will the bench be reshaped?
At the beginning of the Steve Kerr era, the bench was a strength for the Warriors. But, it became a weakness this season.
Andre Iguodala was in and out of the starting lineup and can be a contributor defensively. The wing, however, undeniably took a step back on the other end of the floor, as did longtime backup point guard Shaun Livingston.
Quinn Cook became a reliable spot-up shooter but 2018-19 was the last year of his current contract. The Warriors also didn’t receive much this season from 2018 first-round pick Jacob Evans.
The Warriors will have to add a few pieces to their second unit in the offseason and almost certainly will not have the cap space to do it. They’ll need to get creative.
