5 Golden State Warriors that are untouchable, 3 that should be cut loose

No. 1 to Cut Loose – JaMychal Green

The Golden State Warriors have to make moves on the margins to help build out their team each season, and one key area is having a stretch-big on hand. Otto Porter Jr. was a key part of the Warriors’ title in 2022, and JaMychal Green was signed as his replacement this season when Porter signed with the Toronto Raptors.

Green was good value for the minimum, and helped the team navigate the regular season. He stepped up when called upon in the playoffs, even starting a couple of games. It’s not a terrible decision to bring him back next season, but he is likely going to want a pay increase; instead of spending more than the minimum on him, the Warriors should let him walk, sign another stretch-big to a minimum deal, and give Patrick Baldwin Jr. his rotation spot.

No. 2 to Cut Loose – Andre Iguodala

Four players have been a part of all four Golden State Warriors titles. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, of course, have been together the entire time. The fourth player is Andre Iguodala, who was sent packing in the aftermath of Kevin Durant’s departure and rejoined the team two seasons ago.

Iguodala was recruited back for one more season by the core players, but his body wasn’t capable of providing more than spot minutes throughout the year, and he didn’t play in the playoffs at all. His veteran mentorship was surely valuable, but a roster spot is not the only way to provide that.

If Iguodala wants to stick around, that’s great! Perhaps he could take a role as an assistant coach, or in the front office. He could be a “consultant” coming around part of the time but spending the rest of his time golfing. The Warriors showed this season that they need every available roster spot to get through the season; they can’t afford to use one on a legacy player.