5 free agents the Warriors can target with extended trade exception

Marc Gasol

The three-time All-Star could be labeled as inconsistent, with some seasons carrying highs and the next seasons carrying lows. He carries many honors such as All-Rookie, All-Defensive, and All-NBA. He was also named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year almost a decade ago.

Gasol is 35, so he may be a better target for Golden State’s mid-level exception. That said, the Warriors have recently seen much of Gasol as he played with the Toronto Raptors, the team that downed Golden State in the 2019 NBA Finals.

What stood out about the 6-foot-11 big man then is his ability to cover ground on the perimeter. Gasol, for his age and height, is a solid defender that can switch onto guards fairly easily. That and the fact that he, like Millsap and Gallinari, is a solid perimeter shooter makes him an ideal target.

The gist of what the Warriors should crave with this exception is a solid-shooting big man. Gasol, who shot over 40% from downtown this season and has been the best defender in the league for a short time, would provide leadership and depth to the team’s inconsistent backcourt.

Any of these five would be a major win for the Golden State Warriors.