5 additions that could make the Golden State Warriors instant 2021 title favorites
![LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts as he is called for a foul during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts as he is called for a foul during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/557943a94772b045310f4b154f321ff6bee7c1338f27a6eaaa662c2d24c3a706.jpg)
Gordon Hayward
After that gruesome leg injury to kick off the 2017-2018 season, Hayward is finally getting back to his normal self, and this time around, he’s become a more efficient player, playing to his strengths on one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.
Shooting over 50% for the first time in his career, Hayward has elevated his game tremendously this season. He’s notching just over 17 points per game and has developed a solid mid-range game, nearing 50% on shots 10-16 feet from the bucket.
The only part of a potential deal that makes Hayward’s addition unlikely is that he’ll potentially want a max-value contract. While he’s not trending upward into true superstardom like he was, Hayward has shown enough to get over $20 million.
Whichever team that wants to look into maxing out Hayward, they’ll need to consider his age given that in half a decade he’ll be 35. The Warriors could use Hayward, but the likelihood that they bring in an aging star to team up with fellow stars to cripple their team in five years is low.
However, his addition could easily make the Warriors the West’s best team.