Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors finally get their man in major free agent signing

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Dario Saric #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After much speculation over the last seven days, the Golden State Warriors have finally got their man in signing Croatian Dario Saric to a one-year minimum contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Many Warrior fans have been patiently awaiting an announcement on Saric after NBC Sports’ Monte Poole announced Golden State’s interest in the 6’10” big in the lead up to free agency last week.

In a pivotal signing for the Golden State Warriors, unrestricted Dario Saric has committed to the franchise for the 2023-24 NBA season.

Things got nervy earlier in the week when Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fisher revealed that Saric may have had interest in the Miami Heat, with the waiting game on his decision likely caused by the ongoing speculation regarding Damian Lillard’s future.

However, Marc Stein reiterated on Friday (subscription required) that “Golden State remains the likely landing spot for Saric if he doesn’t find an offer above the minimum.”

Dario Saric has signed with the Golden State Warriors for next season. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Dario Saric has signed with the Golden State Warriors for next season. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Stein’s reaffirmation has ultimately rang true, with the Warriors securing a player Wojnarowski describes as “one of the most sought-after players left on the market.”

The 29-year-old is coming off his first season back from an ACL injury, having also been interrupted by a mid-season trade from the Phoenix Suns to the young and rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder.

Saric played in 57 regular season games overall, averaging 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot a healthy 39.1% from three-point range, which combined with his passing makes for a versatile offensive option in the Warrior system. With the capacity to play at power-forward but also as a small-ball center, Saric could also give Golden State some flexibility when it comes to their remaining roster spots with 13 players now contracted for next season.

Next. NBA Summer League: First-round pick a system fit for the Golden State Warriors. dark

The delay on Saric had contributed to a quiet free agency for the Warriors over the first week. They re-signed Draymond Green to a new four-year, $100 million contract in the opening minutes, before acquiring veteran point-guard Cory Joseph on Sunday.

Home/Warriors Free Agency