Myers: No plan to use exception to pick up free agent

The Warriors’ major offseason moves are likely done as general manager

Bob Myers said he does not anticipate using the taxpayer mid-level exception,

his last remaining tool to add a meaningful contributor to the team’s roster.

“We offered it to a few people, but they chose other directions,” Myers said. “We put it out there, but we weren’t just going to put it out there without some level of discernment. So we tried. Ultimately after a few guys went off the board, we kind of held it in check.”

Although Golden State sought to use the $5.9 million exception on a proven player in the early moments of free agency, the front office’s targets signed with other teams. The Warriors were reportedly interested in point guard Patty Mills, who signed with the Nets, and forward Nic Batum, who re-signed with the Clippers.

According to a source, the Warriors did inquire about Dennis Schroder. But the former Lakers point guard signed with the Boston Celtics for the full taxpayer mid-level exception.

While other potentially helpful free agents remain available, the Warriors do not deem any worth the full $5.9 million and the ensuing luxury tax implications. The Warriors organization is already a repeat luxury taxpayer, meaning each additional salary comes with an escalating tax bill. Using the full $5.9 million exception would result in more than $30 million in luxury taxes.

Remaining free agents include guards Avery Bradley, Wesley Matthews, Frank Ntilikina and JJ Redick, and forwards James Ennis and Paul Millsap.

Golden State has 17 players under contract including Chris Chiozza, who will fill one of two two-way spots.

The Warriors will need to trim the roster to a maximum of 15 players by opening night. Damion Lee, Mychal Mulder and Gary Payton II — who had the guarantee date for his contract extended to training camp — will compete for a roster spot in camp.

In order to minimize costs, Myers said he anticipates carrying only 14 players into the regular season unless a trusted backup point guard emerges.

“I think we still need some kind of ball-handling guard,” Myers said. “We’re a little bit thin there.”

Fans might point to the taxpayer midlevel exception as a means to fill that role, and the refusal to use the exception is understandably frustrating. Myers telegraphed the idea of skipping the exception during his end-of-season press conference in May, saying that a $400 million payroll would be “exceeding the limit” to what he could spend. As it currently stands, the Warriors’ salary and taxes will cost upwards of $360 million.

However, should a difference-maker become available during the season via buyout, Myers did not squelch the possibility of using the exception then to entice a contributor to join Golden State.

“We still may use it depending on how things shake out as the season goes on,” Myers said. “I don’t think we’ll use it with what’s left in free agency.”