Remember a year ago, when the Warriors worked to clear payroll space to sign Kevin Durant? Such a league-changing shift seemed possible, but it appeared it would come at a cost.
Golden State would have to gut the world-class supporting cast it had built around its star-studded starting lineup. The Warriors figured to have to get rid of Harrison Barnes (naturally), Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli, Leandro Barbosa and Marreese Speights. The Warriors figured they could keep Shaun Livingston.
But a spike in the projected salary cap allowed Golden State to keep Iguodala and Livingston. That was no small thing.