As the Golden State Warriors enter the offseason in full swing, they are likely in search of a starting center who can alleviate some of the developmental concerns of youngster Quinten post and the defensive burden of Draymond Green.
However, with Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford signing a three-year, $54 million contract extension, it appears as though one more option has been taken out of an already limited positional market.
As the Warriors attempt to contend with numerous other teams who are pursuing a center, this could signal a troublesome offseason for the franchise.
Daniel Gafford's contract extension signals trouble for the Warriors
Gafford, who averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists through 57 games last season with the Mavericks, was previously entering his third year of his rookie extension, and, given his upcoming unrestricted free agency after next season, was a possible trade candidate.
However, while the number on his contract maintains his trade eligibility, it is likely that the Mavericks have locked up Gafford long term, rolling with a potent frontcourt that also will include Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis.
While Gafford is not a player that has been directly linked to Golden State in rumors as of yet, their need at the starting center position remains clear.
Post, who averaged 8.1 points and shot 40.8% from 3-point range during his rookie season, still holds concerns regarding his defensive viablity that were evidenced most clearly through his limited minutes in the playoffs.
With the Boston Celtics having dealt Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trailblazers, they plan to also shop Kristaps Porzingis, but, despite lingering injury concerns, he is likely out of Golden State's price range.
While the team has been rumored in the past to have interest in Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, the most likely way for such a deal to be completed is through a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade, and it is likely that the Warriors hope to retrieve more value than an aging center were they to move Kuminga.
Therefore, it appears that, if Golden State wants a center, they will need to turn to the limited free agent market, which is headlined by 37-year-old Brook Lopez.
With teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers also in the market for a center to pair with superstars Luka Doncic and Lebron James, the Warriors face a steep uphill battle to find a center who can fill out their roster, and Gafford's extension only signals further trouble in this pursuit.