Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Trade exception, MLE, and No. 2 pick are Warriors only real chances to improve roster

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors coaches from the bench during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors coaches from the bench during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors have little cap space to work with this offseason, meaning their chances to improve will be slim.

Coming into the offseason, it was obvious the Golden State Warriors weren’t going to be able to outright sign any big-name free agents.

With a class of free agents not as skilled as typical, the Warriors picked a good offseason to have little leverage. They’ll be able to get done what they need to though in order to get back into championship contention though.

With a $17.2 million trade exception, a mid-level exception, and a top-tier draft pick, the Warriors options will be there.

Unlike in years past, their path towards improvement isn’t as obvious. It starts with finding capable trade targets. Who would they be willing to part with a top-tier asset for? Bradley Beal, Joel Embiid, Robert Covington and many others could be willing targets.

After that, it’s about finding the best route to snagging those targets. However, unless they add Andrew Wiggins to a deal and still manage to stay under the cap, the Warriors will be forced to find a target that has under a $17.2 million per year contract.

That’s why Covington, Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. should skyrocket to the top of their list. Trading and using the exception is a huge opportunity. A more likely one is found in the mid-level exception. They’ll be able to take a look at Marc Gasol for that.

After a disappointing postseason stretch, Gasol likely won’t cost much more than $6 million. The MLE is expected to be under that mark but not by much. Justin Holiday or Marvin Williams could also be targets that would sign for said amount.

Both of those exceptions will present an opportunity for Golden State, but the No. 2 overall pick, one they were gifted in the lottery, is what will truly be the difference-maker. Whether they trade it or use it, they’ll have its value in the back of their pocket until the late-November draft.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

All three options will be there, and they’ll really be the only ways the Warriors improve this offseason.

Home/Warriors News