The Golden State Warriors can round out their roster after signing Zaza Pachulia. Here are some potential free agent targets.
The Golden State Warriors almost have their roster filled out. After a great draft and some big acquisitions in free agency, the team once again has a stacked roster that is light years ahead of the rest of the league.
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Zaza Pachulia was the most recent addition to the fold and he will once again provide some continuity at the center spot. With Pachulia back on the roster, the team should probably round out the roster with a couple more veteran minimum signings.
While they’re good across the board with talent, they could still add some depth at certain spots on the roster. Perhaps another big man like a JaVale McGee return, a third point guard or even another shooter because one can never have enough.
The Warriors after signing Nick Young have spent their money. That means they’re basically limited to veteran minimums now. The team could very well stand pat with what they currently have based on the luxury tax they’re going to be paying.
Any additional money is going to drive up the check that the team is going to have to pay. So before they sign one more vet piece, they will certainly weigh the value of whether or not that player is worth it and the possible cap ramifications as a result. If they do choose to make a move, here are five veteran free agent targets that could make sense.
5. Michael Beasley
Despite bouncing around the league and the world for that matter, Michael Beasley has shown growth as a player in the league. With the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Beasley was a nice rotational piece for a playoff team and looked like a much different player than the one folks have been used to.
If there’s a steal on a minimum deal that Golden State could potentially land, Beasley would be a nice scenario. The longer that free agency goes and the more money continues to dry up as teams are more cautious after last season, guys like Beasley might have to take what they can get.
With the Warriors, Beasley would be able to be used in a variety of rotations. The small ball lineup backing up Draymond Green and Kevin Durant. He has a nice touch around the rim and can provide some volume scoring if needed.
There are a lot worse options for a guy that would fill out the end of the rotation and that’s why it’s still likely some team will be able to offer him a little bit more. Still, if Golden State could land him on depth and be willing to pay that tax, it could pay dividends.
There was reported interest between the two sides before the Warriors signed Nick Young. Marcus Thompson II of the Mercury News reported a link between the two. If the interest is still there, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
4. Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Remember when everyone wanted to sign Vince Carter for nostalgia and to get him a ring because the team drafted him? How about bringing in another former Warrior the team drafted and actually kept for a while?
Mike Dunleavy is probably a name that would make most Warriors fans cringe at this point. Having been picked No. 3 overall in 2001, Dunleavy did not live to up to the pick he was selected with and Warriors fans still shudder the thought of him returning to this day.
Still, it’s important to remember that as recently as January, the team was still linked to him via a report from ESPN’s Chris Haynes. The rational thought says that ship has sailed, but it can’t go without saying the smoke was once there.
Golden State would consider Mike Dunleavy as a possible free-agent target if he secures buyout from Atlanta, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2017
This would certainly be one of those moves where Bob Myers would really test the bounds of his genius moves he has made with the franchise. Perhaps incorporating a player fans had years of frustration with would really be he his next magic trick.
At this point, Golden State is so deep they can take chances. The ghost of Christmas’ past is probably not walking through that door, but everyone would lose their minds if he ended up doing so.
3. Insert Third Point Guard Here
Of all the needs the Warriors still have, getting a veteran point guard behind Stephen Curry and Shaun Livingston is one. While the Warriors are comfortable with their two point guards, the NBA regular season is a long one and getting someone to take some minutes is a must.
The team needs their two veterans to be as fresh as possible for that postseason run. The team getting a guy that can take up minutes or play those road games where they rest their stars should be considered a must.
If there’s one great thing about the free agent market is that there will always be a veteran point guard available. Norris Cole, Beno Udrih and guys of that ilk are likely the players that the team can attract with a veteran minimum.
There are some flashier names that are still available, but being limited with money makes it a difficult task to try and get them. Still, point guards and third ones can be found everywhere. How about giving it another try at getting Jose Calderon on the roster?
2. Matt Barnes
One of the cool stories of the 2016-17 season for the Golden State Warriors was Matt Barnes getting a ring. A key member of the “We Believe” Warriors, Barnes got to finish his story off with a ring from the same organization.
When he returned to the team, he was a different player but it felt as if he never left. The team openly embraced him as did the fans. At this point, Barnes is probably settling for a veteran minimum wherever he ends up.
If the Warriors really want him back next season, they can probably land him. Having him in the locker room with the rest of the guys could be seen as a bonus. This is a team where chemistry is just as important as the talent.
When Kevin Durant went down last season, getting Barnes was a priority to get some wing depth out on the floor. With Durant healthy and a deep roster behind him, a move like this could be one that maybe isn’t made until late in the regular season if there is an injury to a player and Barnes still hasn’t been signed.
1. JaVale McGee
The biggest and most likely free agent target that’s next for the Golden State Warriors is JaVale McGee. After the addition of Zaza Pachulia for a second season, McGee’s future with the Warriors is up in the air.
At the most he’s going to get the minimum now and that’s where things might get difficult for Golden State. He really proved his worth after the team brought him in last season and it’s likely he’s going to get a bigger offer from somewhere else.
He brought the highlights on both ends of the floor and was productive despite limited minutes. After bouncing around the league for his entire career, McGee could be ready to finally really settle in a place that embraces him.
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Still, this is his chance to get every penny he can get and no one would blame him for going out and getting a bigger offer elsewhere. With the market value of big men, it’s going to be a lot more as mentioned above.
If he does indeed return to Golden State, then this Warriors’ free agency will go down as one of the best they have ever had. That’s impressive to say after the ones they have been able to pull off in recent years.