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Five non-Durant free agents the Warriors should try to sign

By Carlos Murillo

Dec 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Warriors win 116-99. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Warriors win 116-99. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Al Horford

Warriors
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Warriors and Al Horford would be a perfect marriage as both sides can really elevate each other.

Al Horford might be the second best free agent, behind Durant, this summer (excluding LeBron James).

Horford is 30 years old and there’s always concern with signing big men to large contracts at this stage of their career. But his skill set would be wonderful in Golden State. If they can’t sign Durant, then Horford should demand all their attention. Playing him with Curry, Thompson, Green, and a cheap competent small forward could produce something really special.

Horford has had some wonderful years playing alongside Paul Milsap in Atlanta, in a system that emphasizes ball movement. So it only makes sense that a team with a Swiss Army knife of a power forward and a team that thrives off motion and spacing would be an ideal landing spot for Horford.

He isn’t the seven footer Golden State would like, but standing at 6’10, he’s a big body that can defend the rim. He’s not quite a true center or a true power forward, but a hybrid that can really adapt to whatever lineups and situations he needs to.

His numbers don’t jump off the page, averaging 15 and 7 last year, but he’s so much better than that. He’s one of the more skilled big men in the entire NBA. And, best of all, he’s durable. Horford played all 82 games in his All-Star season last year. He has it all. He can defend, pass, and put the ball in the basket. He can even step out and space the floor, hitting 88 three-pointers on 34 percent shooting last season. His rebounding numbers leave a little to be desired, but he’s still a complete package.

Horford won’t be cheap. It’s hard to imagine any scenario where the Warriors can land Durant and Horford. But Bob Myers can move some pieces around, especially if he believes that their first-round pick Damian Jones is ready to contribute. The Warriors could sign Horford, let Ezeli walk, and try to trade Bogut for a small forward and sign a backup center like a Roy Hibbert (I know, I know…) or Zaza Pachulia.

He’s probably second on their wish list and for good reason.

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