Ranking 3 free agent forwards the Golden State Warriors could target

Following a disappointing second-round exit to the Los Angeles Lakers in this year’s playoffs, the Golden State Warriors have a few areas to address in order to bolster their roster back towards championship contention.

With minimal financial capacity at their disposal, the free agent options will be few and far between for the 2022 NBA champions who are preparing for the biggest payroll in NBA history next season.

The Golden State Warriors need to address their forward depth this offseason, whether by trade or through a savvy free agent acquisition.

The Warriors failed to effectively replace the loss of Otto Porter Jr. last offseason, with their forward depth compromised as a result. Although Jonathan Kuminga took a leap during the regular season, they never had that consistent veteran presence that could play behind or next to the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.

Although there may be options via trade, most of those would see Golden State give up something of substantial value in return. If they want to keep control of their core and young talent, the free agency route will be their best method. Here’s what they may be looking at:

3. Jae Crowder

Having spent the majority of the season on the sidelines awaiting a trade from the Phoenix Suns, Jae Crowder never really got up and running in his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. His 18 games in the regular season were productive enough, averaging 6.9 points in 18.9 minutes on a very healthy 43.6% from three-point range.

However, the 32-year-old was largely banished from the rotation during the Bucks’ surprise first-round exit. Crowder was underwhelming in the opening three games of the series, missing all six of his three-point attempts and failing to provide the kind of high-intense defense that he’s been known for in the past.

He was a DNP in Game 4 and played just 18 seconds in Game 5, leaving him with an intriguing free agency decision this offseason. Crowder is coming off a three-year, $29.1 million contract, but perhaps he’s now gettable for a minimum-level deal.

2. Joe Ingles

Another first-year member of the Bucks, Joe Ingles made a successful return from an ACL injury suffered in January 2022. He played 46 games during the regular season, averaging 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting 40.9% from three-point range. He then shot 50% from deep in Milwaukee’s five playoff games, performing admirably in his 17.8 minutes per game despite the surprising loss to the Miami Heat.

It’s difficult to see how the Warriors would lure Ingles away from the Bucks, though don’t be surprised if, regardless of where he signs, it’s a minimum deal given he’ll be 36 at the start of next season. That has to make him somewhat of a realistic target for Golden State, with the Australian’s combination of size, shooting, ball-handling and playmaking likely to make him a very good fit in the Warrior system.

1. Georges Niang

Coming off a two-year, $6.8 million deal at the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s difficult to evaluate where Georges Niang’s value value sits this offseason. He’s likely to be well above what the Warriors can offer, though stranger things have happened.

Niang averaged 8.2 points in 19.4 minutes during the regular season, shooting above 40% from deep for the fifth consecutive season. Like most role players his minutes dropped in the postseason, yet he still managed to lift his three-ball even more to 46.2% over the 11-game span.

While they’re a very different style of player, Niang and Ingles are around the same level when it comes to overall production. Turning 30 next week, there isn’t the same age factor with Niang which ultimately makes him the number one target should Golden State get a conversation.