David West Turns Down the Warriors for Spurs
By Greg Chin
The Golden State Warriors had their first “swing and miss” of the offseason, after what many considered to be a successful start. They managed to agree to terms with restricted free agent Draymond Green on a five year, $85 million contract extension. Leandro Barbosa was next to renew his vows with the Warriors, reportedly signing a one year deal worth $2.5 million.
Leandro Barbosa will return to the Warriors on a 1-year, $2.5 million deal
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2015
However, they failed in their attempt to convince veteran free agent David West to join their championship-winning team. West decided not to opt into the final year of his contract with the Indiana Pacers, which was worth $12 million. According to reports, West was interested in signing with the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the San Antonio Spurs (once they signed LaMarcus Aldridge).
Free agent forward David West has agreed to terms with the Spurs, per league sources.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 6, 2015
It was reported today that West decided to join the Spurs on a one year, veteran minimum deal worth $1.5 million. Even before West’s decision, the Spurs were already considered by many to be the favourites in the Western Conference. The addition of Aldridge, and the core of the Spurs returning for yet another season is a scary prospect for the Warriors. Throw in West, who proved he could still be a productive big with Indiana, and the Spurs just got a whole lot scarier.
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Between the Cavaliers and the Warriors, West had his choice of the two Finals teams. However, his decision to play for the Spurs is indicative that he thinks they have the best chance at winning next year – which isn’t really a surprise.
For the Warriors, this is a double blow. The Warriors were looking for another big to add to the bench, and with only their luxury tax-payer midlevel exception available, they have just under $4 million to spend. West, who was willing to take the midlevel exception, would have been the best player the Warriors could target at that price. Now, they will have to turn their attention to the waiver wire, or seek out potential replacements in a swap deal that involves David Lee.
The second blow is that the Spurs just got that much stronger. Boasting a bench that consists of Patty Mills, Manu Ginobili, Boris Diaw, Kyle Anderson, and now West, the Spurs will be the Warriors’ toughest competitor in the West.
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