Golden State Warriors: 5 Free Agent Targets from First-Round Losers
Danny Green
It’s fair to say Danny Green isn’t Warrior fans’ favourite player, with the three-time NBA champion having fouled Klay Thompson on the play that saw the Golden State legend tear his ACL during the 2019 Finals.
Personal feelings aside, Green has been a quality role player in the league for along time, and there’s no coincidence that success usually follows wherever he goes. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL himself in May 2022, and there’s question marks on his future after a limited return this season.
At 35-years-old, any prospective team will be taking a risk on Green come free agency. He played 11 combined games with the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers during the regular season, and looked far from the 20+ minute per game player he was pre-injury.
If the Warriors or another team think they can get him up and running, then you’re getting a high-level three-point shooter who’s a competent defender and who can fit into almost any system. That’s a valuable player as someone likely to come on a minimum-level contract.
Naz Reid
If there’s a high-level option that fills an area of need for Golden State this offseason, then Naz Reid might be the perfect free agent signing. He’s almost certain to be out of the Warriors’ price range, but that shouldn’t stop Bob Myers at least trying to get a conversation.
Reid has shown he’s a quality backup center with the Minnesota Timberwolves, though he channels his best Joel Embiid impression whenever he plays the Warriors. In three games against Golden State this year, the 23-year-old averaged over 25 points and nine rebounds.
His averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds overall during the regular season, shooting 53.7% from the field and a competent 34.6% from three-point range. Standing at 6’9″, Reid has a versatile offensive skill set while possessing the size to battle defensively and on the glass.
He would be an ideal backup to Kevon Looney, giving Golden State an offensive-minded option that may even start in particular matchups where greater spacing is needed. There’s question marks on his capacity to fit into the Warriors’ motion system, but the positives easily outweigh the negatives when it comes to his potential acquisition.
Next. Proposed mock trade sends Golden State Warriors’ youngster to the Indiana Pacers. dark
Reid may ultimately be a pipe dream for Golden State, though with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert filling the majority of the center minutes in Minnesota, one could expect that he may be exploring his options come free agency.