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Golden State Warriors: 5 potential Kevin Durant replacements

By Christian Evans

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 06: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 06, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 113-101. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 06: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 06, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 113-101. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3. Stanley Johnson

After entering the NBA 8th overall, Stanley Johnson has failed to live up to his massive potential so far. A change of scenery could pay dividends for the former Arizona Wildcat.

This move would a lot of sense for the Warriors especially considering Johnson’s value as an elite perimeter defender and would immediately be considered a poor man’s Andre Iguodala but would fulfill a role like no one else currently a Golden State Warrior.

With Johnson’s career at a crossroads and lack of value as a shooter will likely mean he is available for the veteran’s minimum and should that be the case it is a low-risk move that could pay dividends due to Johnson’s ability to guard any player one on one.

The former Detroit Piston was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans but that trade failed to reap the desired rewards and teams could potentially be put off by Johnson’s apparent inability to develop into an equally effective force on both ends.

Despite this Johnson improved mightily on the offensive end during his brief stay in New Orleans, averaging a reasonable 32.4% clip from beyond the arc.

Regardless losing Iguodala was a massive blow due to his excellent perimeter defense. But Johnson could potentially be equally as effective at a fraction of the cost and that would make him a worthwhile short term investment.

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