Golden State Warriors: 3 must-sign free agency targets

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Nerlens Noel

The only player on the list that’d be willing to accept a minimum-value deal, Nerlens Noel has taken his game to the next level this season. The former lottery pick has thrived with the OKC Thunder, propelling to a true playoff contender.

The versatile 6-foot-10 big man would give the Warriors some much-needed rim protection. In just 18.4 minutes per game, Noel is notching 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals. Per 36, that means he’s nearing 3 blocks and 2 steals, impressive numbers for the 26-year-old.

Noel is currently only making $2 million this season so it’s unlikely his solid play will be valued enough to earn him a new big-time deal.

That said, the Warriors could option to split their exception up into two smaller contracts if they feel Noel is worth it and he commands more than that minimum. Noel, for what purpose he’d serve on the Warriors, would be worth the risk.

He has the wingspan and athleticism to be a great rim-roller, much like the Warriors hoped Willie Cauley-Stein would be.

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