You couldnt have had a different summer than last than the one Danny had this year.
Last year, danny blew up a team that went to the ECF returning only 4 players. Alot of people were shocked as the team had been successful. But clearly Danny saw them as an over-achieving bunch who made it as far as they ever were. it was a bold move because many gm's/owners would stand pat, happy that they made it that far and for the revenue making the ECF affords.
This summer on the other hand, Danny has stood pat. He refused to offer any of his young stars in a trade for Kawhi, and resigned Marcus smart to a lucrative deal that surely will put them in the tax next year, if not this year.
To me, this indicates that Danny/ownership believes this team can contend this year against the warriors.