Golden State Warriors: 5 Stars they can acquire with ‘bridge option’

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 29: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 115-106 in overtime. 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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 29: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 115-106 in overtime. 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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors might be able to finesse their way into acquiring one of these stars by utilizing the ‘bridge option’ this offseason.

There isn’t much wiggle room for the Golden State Warriors this offseason. Not only will the franchise have limited time to make deals before the targeted December 1 start date for next season – but they will battle financial trouble as well with a roster full of large contracts.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins will make over $100 million dollars next year. This leaves the Dubs with virtually no cap space to acquire any more talent. Their only move is to utilize the Andre Iguodala trade exception and the MLE to target some low hanging fruit.

However, there is another route. As Anthony Slater of The Athletic (subscription required) highlighted, the Dubs can free close to $20 million dollars by trading for James Johnson and absorbing his contract. This is the ‘bridge’ to swinging for the fences and acquiring another star to add to the franchise.

But, who would they target? There are some enticing names in the $20 million dollar ballpark that could be available in trades this year. Let’s break down the five best players to pursue.