Ranking 3 free agent centers the Golden State Warriors should consider

2. Mason Plumlee

If the Warriors are after more of a traditional big with size, Mason Plumlee may be their best option if gettable on a minimum contract. The 33-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, even if his raw numbers are somewhat inflated by an increased role with the Charlotte Hornets to start the season.

As a starter in Charlotte, Plumlee averaged a very healthy 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in nearly 30 minutes per game. He took on a backup role after being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, yet still proved a meaningful contributor as a strong rebounder and solid pick-and-roll threat.

Plumlee averaged 8.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 18.2 minutes during the postseason, shooting 87.5% from the field and 92.9% from the free-throw line after a strange but successful decision to begin shooting left-handed.

At seven-foot tall Plumlee would provide the Warriors with a bigger body around the basket. He could be a nice foil for Chris Paul in the second-unit, especially given his ability to make reads and find cutters/open shooter off the roll. He’d be equally adept playing next to Stephen Curry and/or Klay Thompson, capable as a dribble hand-off big who can set hard screens to get the splash brothers enough air space.

Coming off a three-year, $24.7 million contract, it might be hard to envisage Plumlee taking a minimum particularly given his strong form in 2022-23. However, having never reached the ultimate success, perhaps he takes the opportunity to join a franchise desperate to regain the championship mantle.