Warriors roster

Needless to say, the Warriors have a priority list, and will want to ensure the return of such notables as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant before spending time — and, more importantly, precious salary-cap space — on the likes of James McAdoo and Ian Clark. T

What next for the Warriors? After securing their second championship in three years and, in the process, writing their name alongside other National Basketball Association all-time greats, their imperative in the offseason is clear: Keep their nucleus together and reaffirm their ascendancy through their 2017-2018 campaign. It’s better said than done, however, especially since 10 players on their roster will become free agents in three days.

Needless to say, the Warriors have a priority list, and will want to ensure the return of such notables as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant before spending time — and, more importantly, precious salary- cap space — on the likes of James McAdoo and Ian Clark. That said, the two former Most Valuable Player awardees are a cinch to stay with them, motivated by the prospect of building a dynasty and thereby willing to accept contracts at less-than-optimum rates. The bigger question marks are vital cogs Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, what with dependability breeding competition.

Because the Warriors will be feeling the pinch, some financial maneuvering is necessary for the supersubs to remain in the fold. All things being equal, Iguodala and Livingston would prefer not to change addresses; faced with the prospect of eightfigure paydays, though, they wouldn’t be so foolish as to immediately reject offers from other proven winners. And so they’ll entertain serious entreaties from the usual suspects who have the added incentive of weakening the defending titleholders should the bids succeed.

Simply put, nothing in the pro hoops scene is etched in stone. As incredibly difficult as hurdling obstacles en route to expected results already is, the task begins long before the Warriors step on the court for their first regular-season game. They may have the upper hand given their track record and possession of Bird rights, but few eyebrows will be raised should Iguodala or Livingston, or both, decide to move elsewhere. If nothing else, it’s what Durant’s

own foray in free agency last year underscored.