The top 4 free agents left for the Golden State Warriors to consider
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) T.J. Warren #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center on December 21, 2022 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Warriors 143-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) T.J. Warren #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center on December 21, 2022 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Warriors 143-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ba65c75d8c7001df411a25e233d653f7485838dea3ec7adeed50da8f02dc5e4b.jpg)
Dario Saric
Dario Saric was initially projected as a worthy free agent pickup, albeit behind Kevin Love and Mason Plumlee in the ideal pecking order. However, with those two off the board, the Croatian remains the Warriors’ best option for a rotational big man.
Golden State were ‘very likely’ to sign Saric heading into free agency, according to Monte Poole and Marc Stein. Now, the hold up seems to come from Damian Lillard’s future and potential mutual interest between Saric and the Miami Heat.
If the Warriors do obtain the 29-year-old, Saric has enough offensive versatility to play either the four or the five, giving the front office some flexibility with what they do with their remaining roster spot.
Like Warren and Green, Saric made his return from major injury in the 2022-23 season. He was also traded mid-way through, playing 57 total games with the Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 57 games, shooting a more than useful 39.1% from three-point range.
Mo Bamba
One of the great ‘what ifs’ over recent years, could the Warriors undertake a reclamation project in acquiring Mo Bamba? The 25-year-old seven-footer has all the physical tools to become a very valuable player, perhaps something in the mould of a Myles Turner as shot blocker on one end and three-point shooter on the other.
Bamba was traded by the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers at February’s trade deadline, but struggled with injury in playing just nine games for the remainder of the regular season. Bamba did have a career-year in 2021-22 though — he started 69 games averaging 25.7 minutes, 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 blocks (all career-highs), while shooting 38% from three-point range.
Next. Draymond Green believes Chris Paul will unlock Golden State Warriors’ youngster. dark
For a roster desperately crying out for some size in the middle, Bamba could be worth the risk and may now be obtainable for a minimum deal. It’s a high-risk, high-upside play that would have fans intrigued at the very least.