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NBA Free Agency: Ranking 6 ‘wings’ still available for the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Will Barton #5 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Will Barton #5 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have reportedly not only turned their back on Dwight Howard, but also the long-thought idea of adding a veteran center ahead of training camp which begins on October 2.

Instead, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on Friday that “an extra wing” has become the priority for the Warriors as they seek to return to their championship glory this season.

With the Golden State Warriors on the search for added wing depth, a range of suitable veterans remain available on the NBA free agent market.

Golden State’s current wing depth is centered around Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, with Moses Moody projected to play a meaningful role off the bench as he enters his third season. Let’s have a look at the best remaining free agents available for the Warriors:

1. Will Barton

Barton is a solid three-and-D wing with a plethora of NBA experience, having been a long-time starter for the Denver Nuggets. He shot just 33.3% from deep in a 16-game stint with the Toronto Raptors to end last season, but you’d expect that number to rise to above league average playing alongside the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Barton is still only 32 and should have something left to give, whether that’s with the Warriors or elsewhere.

2. Jaylen Nowell

The youngest player and the most recently proven, Nowell has a lot going for him as a free agency option among this group. The 24-year-old has played a key role for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the last two seasons, averaging 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in nearly 20 minutes per game in 2022-23. If Golden State feel they need a spark plug scorer off the bench, Nowell might be their man.

Jaylen Nowell of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket past Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at Target Center on November 27, 2022. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Jaylen Nowell of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket past Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at Target Center on November 27, 2022. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

3. Terence Davis

The Warriors will be aware of Davis’ exploits with the 26-year-old having some bright moments for the Kings in the teams’ first-round series matchup. He would average 6.7 points in 13.1 minutes last season, shooting 36.6% from deep on nearly four attempts per game. Unafraid to let it fly, Davis’ three-point shooting could prove helpful at the end of the Golden State bench.

4. T.J. Warren

Once an extremely talented and productive scorer, injuries have got the better of Warren after outrageous performances during the bubble in 2020. He’s appeared in just 46 games since that point, most recently putting up 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game with the Phoenix Suns. Perhaps the Warriors could undertake another reclamation project as they successfully did with Otto Porter Jr. in 2021-22.

5. Terrence Ross

Capable of being a high-flyer and possessing a microwave jumpshot, Ross has been a 20+ minute rotation player for over a decade. However, he also shoots a career 42% from the field and offers little in terms of playmaking and defense. His stint with the Phoenix Suns last season was more of the same, but at 32 it would be surprising if he didn’t get another opportunity elsewhere.

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6. Kent Bazemore

Unlike the above five, Bazemore has the element of holding previous Warrior experience across two stints with the franchise. Unfortunately for him, he’s the oldest and also the only one who was out of the league entirely last season. While he may be a part of training camp and the preseason games, don’t expect to see Bazemore on the main Golden State roster.

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