Warriors looking for veteran presence as free agency begins
SANFRANCISCO>> With the NBA draft complete, the Warriors’ front office turns its attention to filling out the roster in free agency.
Even after selecting two talented rookies in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, the Warriors don’t expect either to make an immediate impact. During his post-draft press conference Thursday night, general manager Bob Myers discussed the importance of filling out the rotation through free agency.
“I still think we need to add some veterans,” Myers said. “We’re not done yet. That’s what we’re going to have to do in free agency.”
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a pivotal free-agency period starting today.
Current roster
The Warriors currently have 15 players under contract, starting with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall and Juan Toscano-Anderson. There’s also Kuminga and Moody.
Damion Lee, Mychal Mulder, Gary Payton II and Alen Smailagic have non-guaranteed contracts, meaning Golden State can waive them at no cost during the free-agent process if they need to free up roster spots.
Own free agents
KELLY OUBRE JR. >> Recent comments by Oubre indicate that he may not see the Warriors as a preferred destination. “I want to continue to show all the things I’m capable of and not be put in a box,” Oubre told HoopsHype. Still, even though Oubre struggled at times to carve out a role last season, the Warriors would like to bring him back as an important asset or use his contract to facilitate a sign-andtrade and bring back another player or large trade exception. However, to do that, Golden State would have to sign him to a lucrative deal (from $10-$15 million) and find a team willing to pay Oubre that amount that couldn’t just sign Oubre outright. This is an unlikely path, and it appears Oubre’s time in the Bay Area will be shortlived.
KENT BAZEMORE >> Though Bazemore was a helpful rotation player and, by the end of the season, a starter, his return seems unlikely. The Warriors do not have his Bird rights and are limited to re-signing him with a portion of the mid-level exception or a minimum contract. After a strong season in Golden State, Bazemore is seeking a long-term deal and should be able to find that elsewhere.
NICO MANNION (RESTRICTED) >> Though Mannion failed to make an impact as a rookie last season, an impressive stint with the Italian Olympic team is reason for optimism. The Warriors recently extended Mannion his qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, and it appears likely that Mannion will at least be part of the Warriors’ training camp roster.
JORDAN BELL >> The Warriors signed Bell late last season for depth but he saw action in only one game. Golden State has a stated need for big-man depth but it’s likely they look in another direction.
The finances
The Warriors are operating well over the salary cap, so they will only have the $5.9 million taxpayer midlevel exception and minimum contracts to spend on free agents.
Mid-level exception targets
PATTY MILLS >> A 32-year-old guard with ample postseason experience, Mills would be a reliable backup point guard behind Curry. The Australian averaged 10.8 points and 2.4 assists last season and is a career 39% 3-point shooter. Mills figures to have plenty of suitors, but the Saint Mary’s product could welcome a return to the Bay Area. CORY JOSEPH >> Waived by the Pistons for salary cap reasons, Joseph is a quality point guard who averaged 12 points, 5.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 26.4 minutes for Detroit after being traded by the Kings in March. Like Mills, Joseph, 29, is expected to field offers from contenders in need of a backup guard. AUSTIN RIVERS >> Having played for five teams over the last three years, Rivers is likely looking for a stable role on a contending team. Though the 29-year-old is no longer the 15-point-pergame scorer that he was during his prime years with the Clippers, he can make open 3-pointers (36.9% last season), takes care of the ball (2.25 assist-to-turnover ratio) and gives solid effort on defense. Rivers could be a sixth man or spot starter if Thompson is not ready for the beginning of the season.
TREVOR ARIZA >> If the Warriors are seeking to inject some experience into the perimeter rotation, Ariza is among the most reliable veteran wings available. At 36, he’s still capable of playing heavy minutes (28 per game for the Heat last season), making 3-pointers (35% last season) and defending multiple positions. He’d be a plug-and-play option off the bench who can work in multiple lineups. OTHER POSSIBLE TARGETS >> Garrett Temple, James Ennis, Nemanja Bjelica, Alex Len.
Minimum targets
AVERY BRADLEY >> Though injuries derailed his 202021 season, Bradley could seek a role similar to the one he played on the 2020 champion Lakers. Bradley, a 36.3% career 3-point shooter and earnest defender, would be a helpful rotation piece to a contending team. The Warriors have logged interest in him in the past and could circle back to the 30-year-old this summer.
ANDRE IGUODALA >> The Warriors need experience, playmaking and defense. Why not a reunion with Iguodala? After the Heat declined Iguodala’s option, he is an unrestricted free agent who will be sought after by contending teams. He may be able to get a portion of a midlevel somewhere, but will his Bay Area ties warrant a discount?
ARON BAYNES >> Known as a floor-spacing big man, the 34-year-old Baynes is coming off a rough season in which he averaged 6.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and shot just 26.2% from 3-point range for Toronto. But on a minimum contract, he could provide value with his size (6-10, 260 pounds) and shooting potential.