With Bob Myers‘ contract as the Warriors‘ president of basketball operations set to expire later this year, people around Myers are wondering whether – or even predicting that – his time in Golden State could be coming to an end, according to Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II, and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
The Athletic’s trio cites team and league sources who say that Myers believes he should be among the NBA’s highest-paid front office executives, if not the highest, after having built a roster that has won four titles since 2015.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob, who previously stated that the team has made two contract extension offers to Myers, has referred to the executive’s last deal as one that made him one of the NBA’s top three highest-paid general managers, but Slater, Thompson, and Amick suggest that’s not the case.
According to The Athletic, Myers is among the top six or top eight highest-paid basketball executives, but Daryl Morey (Sixers), Masai Ujiri (Raptors), Pat Riley (Heat), Tim Connelly (Timberwolves), R.C. Buford (Spurs), and Leon Rose (Knicks) are believed by industry experts to be paid more.
Myers is well-liked by the Warriors’ stars, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and Lacob and the team’s ownership group have shown a propensity over the years to spend to retain talent wherever possible, so the two sides could certainly still work out a new deal that keeps Myers atop Golden State’s front office for years to come.
If that doesn’t happen, the Wizards, Suns, and Knicks are worth watching as possible suitors for Myers, according to The Athletic’s trio, who also name the Clippers as a possibility being discussed in front office circles. A source with knowledge of the Clippers’ situation pushed back on that idea, however.
Slater, Thompson, and Amick have heard that Lacob has become more involved than ever in the Warriors’ personnel moves in recent years, including scouting draft prospects and creating big boards.
The Athletic’s report doesn’t indicate that Myers has chafed at Lacob’s involvement, but suggests Myers has essentially had to play the role of mediator between the Warriors’ ownership group – which has encouraged the development of young prospects and pushed a “two-timeline” plan – and his veteran stars and head coach Steve Kerr, who may favor more experience on the club’s bench.
Sources close to Myers who spoke to The Athletic wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the veteran executive leaving the NBA altogether and pursuing other opportunities, especially if burnout is a factor.
With several months left until Myers’ contract expires, it’s too early to say how the situation will play out. Two years ago, Ujiri and the Raptors didn’t agree to a new deal until well into the summer, just as his contract was about to expire — it’s possible the Myers situation in Golden State could follow a similar trajectory. For now, it’s worth monitoring as an under-the-radar storyline that could be resolved without further drama or could result in a major shake-up for the defending champs.
Dubs had a great run with Myers but no need to break the bank for him when they can/should just bring home Bay Area legend Brent Barry & inject some new blood into the franchise. I got a strong feeling that Barry is gonna be great in that role for SAS or GSW or whatever team gives that ends up giving him the keys
Speaking of Brent Barry, the Warriors brought in Mike Dunleavy Jr to learn the ropes and back office NBA stuff. Not sure if he would be a candidate, probably not yet but perhaps.
bob Meyers doesn’t understand that his success is due to a ownership that spends. A lot tougher to build a team on a budget. Warriors would have lost Thompson for sure and never signed D’Lo who they traded for Wiggins.
IMO
Ownerships are the problems.
You don’t rebuild with so many teenagers, who occupy the roster spots.
Warriors are on rebuild mote or championship mode?
Lakers are clearly on championship mode because they trade away young players and future picks
Dunleavy aka Skeletor was cool, esp vs Arizona in the Final4, but I don’t get nearly the same vibe as far as having an almost preternatural feel for/knowledge of the game like with Brent Barry. Dunleavy is definitely gonna end up having a long career as a nba front office guy tho. He has a chill temperament but he obv has dog in him plus the obv huge adv of knowing every decision maker in the league bc of his dad & his own long career
Sankara, Bay Area legend Brent Barry? I get he has a big role w Spurs, and he’s probably a good talent evaluator, but other than going to De La Salle and being Rick Barry’s son, how would he be a “Bay Area legend” “coming home”.
Because he played high school ball there.
thx Curtis, I posted that he did. DE LA Salle in Concord. My question was how was he a Bay area legend? His dad was the legend. Not sure playing HS bball in Concord makes one a Bay Area legend. Aside from all that, is Brent Barry a good talent evaluator or is it the idea that he is because of his last name. I’m not intending to be a jerk, I guess I just wanted to know if Barry the Concord product from De la salle is a good option to replace Myers. I’m kinda thinking that Gary’s point that Dunleavy is likely next in line makes sense.
If Bob Myers leaves that’s the end of the Warriors. Lacob will have his son in the role and you know how that goes.
The great thing about Bob Myers when he was hired was he worked as an agent and had all the contacts and know how from that end of the business. Definitely helped him succeed running a team. I’d hate to see him go because I think like so many others, he’s a big part of the Warriors success.
But.., I do think that Bob leaves when his contract is over.
As long as Steph is around and playing at a high level they’ll compete with or without Myers, those youngsters need to step up soon though.
Specifically Wiseman. But tbh GSW may just not be the place for him.
Just like when Draymond leaves that’ll be the end of this run as well
Yes all three of you make great points.
It’s just a car and mouse sorta game… Myers is going nowhere…
Cat
I see what you’re saying but there is that element of being your own man. Myers has four rings yes, but everyone will say it’s because of Steph or because of the big three or this or that or ownership spending money.
A little bit of Pride might say, I can do this somewhere else and prove I’m good at my job.
I maintain that he’s gone unless they offer him big big money, which they won’t so he’s out.
Lacob is a sharp guy, so I’d trust that he knows how critical Myers was, and wasn’t, in the building of the team. Lots of chefs here. Curry was inherited. Jerry West, whom Lacob hired as a consultant, was, by all indications, the most influential basketball voice during the early years of Lacob’s tenure, perhaps through the Durant signing. Myers wasn’t even GM until 2012. West’s departure was unanticipated and there were indications that Myers resented West getting all the credit. None of that is to say that Myers isn’t a good or even great FO guy, just to say that the guy who hired him and was there from the start probably knows. He’s not a cheapy either. So, I think Myers will get a more than fair offer, and the rest is up to him.
Great points and I will second the motion regarding Jerry West getting this ship right.
The dynasty is coming to a end soon.
But you have to say not a bad run of four rings in 8 years. That and it’s not over. This year and maybe next if they can get it together without Draymond. Then Klay’s gone and we could have a whole new roster of Steph and Jordan Poole and 14 other new guys.
Myers and Kerr are a tandem. Lacob’s son can wait another 5 yrs.