Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers on Monday made it very clear that the franchise needs to add some veterans in free agency this offseason.
Steve Kerr shortly thereafter echoed that sentiment.
"If we can add a couple vets, that would be great," Golden State's coach said. "During our five straight trips to the [NBA] Finals, we always had great veteran presences. And that matters.
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"I'm of the thinking and the belief that Klay [Thompson's] return and our final 20 games will be very much in the minds of potential free agents when they think about where they want to go.
"Whether that means we get a couple guys to come or not -- we'll see. That kind of veteran know-how and stabilizing influence could be very helpful."
Myers told the media that the Warriors finished in "second place with quite a few" free agents last offseason.
"Some even said, 'Had Klay not gotten hurt, I would have come,' " the two-time NBA Executive of the Year added.
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Klay most likely will not be ready to go on Opening Night, and it could be a couple months into the 2021-22 campaign when he finally resembles his All-Star form.
But the expectation is that he will play a major role in getting Golden State back to championship contention.
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As for this past season, the Warriors went 15-5 down the stretch and registered the best net rating in the league over that period.
Although they fell short of the playoffs by dropping two heartbreakers in the play-in tournament, there are many reasons to be optimistic about next season and beyond.
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