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Golden State Warriors: One roster spot separates them and a finalized roster

By Nathan Beighle

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with teammates against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with teammates against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have one last spot to give away before they finalize their 17-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s opener.

After the signing of Alfonzo McKinnie and Marcus Derrickson, the Golden State Warriors have just one roster spot remaining. They signed McKinnie to a two-year contract and Derrickson to their final two-way contract.

It’ll be interesting to see who this last spot is taken by. Patrick McCaw is the obvious answer, but since he’s been ghosting the team, his return seems to continue to decrease in likelihood. Without McCaw, the Dubs would either leave the spot empty or turn to a dry free agent market.

The free agent market is still capable of producing a few quality players though. Jamal Crawford, who seems to be continuing his NBA career, is still not signed. Nick Young, the Dubs second unit sniper last season, is still on the market.

The one problem will continue to haunt Golden State is their cap. The players eligible for the veteran’s minimum can expect just that. Sadly, there isn’t much more money available, and it might get even worse in the coming years.

That’s one reason why McCaw likely won’t return to the team. He’s seeking big money with long-term, guaranteed years that the Dubs simply can not give him. On top of that, he’s yet to truly earn such a contract.

However, the Dubs last spot may be McCaw or Young or Crawford. They might not finalize their roster until the buyout season is in full force and they can manage to snag one of the tenured buyout candidates that seem to be available every year.

While the Warriors certainly don’t need more assets since the signing of DeMarcus Cousins, they could use the extra power for their depleted second unit. Without Cousins, the Dubs might be using the spot for a well-respected center like Emeka Okafor who was just waived by the Sixers.

Next. Warriors: 3 takeaways from a joy-filled preseason. dark

Nonetheless, the spot is there, and it’s available. Who will snag it is a totally unpredictable question though.

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