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During what was supposed to be an optimistic week for the Golden State Warriors, news of Klay Thompson’s season-ending Achilles injury sent the franchise into panic mode. The Dubs found out about Klay just hours before the 2020 NBA Draft, where the organization had its highest pick since 1995.
General manager Bob Myers got the player he wanted, selecting University of Memphis big man James Wiseman, No. 2 overall, to fill a great need at center. The hope was that the Warriors could round out the roster of Thompson, Wiseman, Stephen Curry and Draymond with some cheap veteran options during free agency.
With Thompson out until the 2021-22 season, Myers acted quickly, using the $ 17.2 million trade exception to acquire forward Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a protected 2021 first-round pick, who could become in two seconds. round picks.
It’s not Thompson, but Oubre will provide much-needed scoring for the Dubs, who can go with a starting lineup of Curry, Wiggins, Oubre, Green and Wiseman, which is projected to be one of the best five-man units in the NBA. , but there are still problems with the depth of the bank.
Head coach Steve Kerr has Eric Paschall, Kevon Looney, Marquese Chriss and a few untested options like Jordan Poole, Damion Lee and Ky Bowman to work on his second unit. That is not exactly going to scare rival teams.
Myers will have a few options to strengthen the bank. Golden State has its mid-tier exception of about $ 5.7 plus the injury exception of $ 9.3 million due to Klay being out. The two cannot be combined to make a larger offer to a free agent.
Since the salary cap remains stable during the 2020-21 NBA season, some free agents will sign favorable deals for the team in hopes of cashing in the summer. Older players could choose to sign one-year contracts to secure another payday next offseason.
These are some of the players the Warriors could target with their exceptions.
The best but unlikely options:
Danilo gallinari: It seems implausible, but the 32-year-old may be willing to sign a one-year contract while he waits for the cap to increase next season. One team that might be willing to devote several years to Gallinari is the Atlanta Hawks, who have plenty of cap room and hope to compete for a playoff spot next year.
Jae crowder: He fits in better with the Dubs. Crowder is the ideal 3D wing for this template. There have been reports that the Miami Heat are interested in bringing him back, but if he walks, Golden State’s $ 9.3 million offer for one season could be enough to lure him to the Bay Area.
Reserve guards / wings:
Kris dunn: The 26-year-old is excellent on the defensive end, something the Warriors will need with the loss of Thompson. Unfortunately, he’s a drag on the offensive side, where he shot just 25.3% from beyond the arc last season.
Alec burks: Hello again. The Philadelphia 76ers likely won’t bring Burks in after the Dubs traded him there last season. Burks would give Kerr a familiar option from the bench that is capable of playing 15 to 18 minutes a night.
Shabazz Napier: He would come and immediately be Curry’s backup. Napier has been competent throughout his career and would give Golden State some depth in the backcourt.
Jeff teague: The same goes for Teague. It can give Kerr a veteran option behind Curry, who will lead the offense and create for his teammates.
Some of the other options include Glenn Robinson III, DJ Augustin, and Austin Rivers.
I don’t see Myers trying to sign a great man with Green, Wiseman, Looney and Chriss on the roster. Those four give Kerr enough flexibility to play big or small depending on the opponent.
Which players do you hope the Warriors can sign during free agency?
