The Golden State Warriors kicked off NBA free agency on Friday, quickly putting pen to paper with veteran forward Draymond Green on a new four-year, $100 million contract. Despite some speculation, that was the Warriors’ only move on day 1 as rivals sought to fill out their rosters.
While some fans have been disappointed with the inactivity, patience should be preached with a plethora of worthy options still available on the board. If the Warriors retain Ty Jerome whom they extended a qualifying offer to on Thursday, they’ll have three roster spots open in which to utilize over the coming days/weeks.
Despite making no moves aside from re-signing Draymond Green, there remains a number of key options available for the Golden State Warriors after day 1 of free agency.
The Warriors will clearly be targeting at least one big to support Kevon Looney, and will no doubt be in the market for more size and shooting from either forward position. However, the necessity for a third-string point-guard behind veterans Stephen Curry and Chris Paul may have been solved by the Jerome news.
In the lead up to free agency, Blue Man Hoop ranked the best options that may be available to the Warriors on a minimum contract. Let’s have a look at the status of each player after the opening day of free agency.
Guards
Damion Lee – re-signed with Phoenix Suns
Seth Curry – Signed two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks
Josh Richardson – Signed two-year deal with the Miami Heat
Forwards
Danny Green – Remains unsigned
Jae Crowder – Remains unsigned
Torrey Craig – Remains unsigned
Yuta Watanabe – Signed one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns
Joe Ingles – Signed two-year deal with the Orlando Magic
Centers
Dario Saric – Remains unsigned
Mason Plumlee – Remains unsigned
Kevin Love – Signed one-year deal with the Miami Heat
Keep an eye on…
Dario Saric. According to NBC Sports’ Monte Poole, and confirmed by Marc Stein, the Warriors are ‘likely’ to sign the Croatian big man in the coming hours/days. A 6’10” power-forward/center, Saric would bring some offensive versatility to the Warriors’ arsenal. If Golden State prefer to go in a different direction but with a similar style player, Australian big man Jock Landale could be an option after the Phoenix Suns somewhat surprisingly pulled his qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent.
Another Sun, Torrey Craig, may be the Warriors’ best remaining forward option. Whether he’s willing to take a minimum deal is up for debate, but while he remains unsigned there’s always a chance. The same couldn’t be said for 35-year-old Joe Ingles who prioritized the financial element in signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Orlando Magic.
Potential Donte DiVincenzo replacements — Damion Lee, Seth Curry and Josh Richardson — all signed with other teams on Friday. DiVincenzo remains available on the market but is still expected to depart Golden State after one season.