Good Size List of Free Agents Remain For Potential Pairing with Warriors
The 2022 NBA offseason has been somewhat lackluster in terms of movement. After the shocking news that Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant demanded a trade the second the offseason started — teams scrambled their best packages to see if they had a chance to snag one of the NBA’s most elite talents.
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert with a boatload of picks that had shifted the market in terms of a player’s worth.
With that being said — a majority of signings have been made since the start of the offseason — but a list of quality players that would be paid at the veteran minimum are still out there.
As of July — the Warriors roster is filled with 13 confirmed spots and the two two-way contracts are given to guards Quinndary Weatherspoon and Lester Quinones.
The projected starting five for the Warriors should be led by superstar Stephen Curry, guard Klay Thompson, forward Andrew Wiggins, forward Draymond Green and center Kevon Looney.
Guard Jordan Poole will continue to lead the bench mob aided by new addition guard Donte Divincenzo. Guard Moses Moody and forward Jonathan Kuminga will receive more minutes and an increased role but are hopefully up for the challenge given their Las Vegas Summer League experience.
Center James Wiseman continues to find his stride in the next level and forward JaMychal Green should aid in the scoring efforts. Guard Ryan Rollins and forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. will get their sporadic opportunities — but for the most part — they’ll be spending time with the Santa Cruz G-League team.
Fan-favorite guard Mac McClung was signed to a non-garaunteed contract and will fight for one of the roster spots during training camp.
With the signings of Divincenzo and Green — it seems like the Warriors have found their replacements of Portland Trailblazers guard Gary Payton II and Toronto Raptors forward Otto Porter Jr.
The two roster spots remaining will be going towards spots that were given to Phoenix Suns forward Damion Lee and Los Angeles Lakers forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.
The Warriors’ center depth will be challenged with Wiseman still discovering his rhythm — so a veteran center would be key. These options include DeMarcus Cousins, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldrige, Montrezl Harrell and Juancho Hernangomez.
Having an additional wing to the rotation also helps — as Carmelo Anthony, Jeremy Lamb, Josh Jackson, Markieff Morris and Eric Paschall are still available.
Last year, Payton II earned his spot on the team and proved to be a critical piece in the Warriors championship run. Forward Andre Iguodala hasn’t confirmed or denied any rumors about his potential retirement — so the Warriors haven’t signed him a new deal yet.
The Warriors always like to keep the last roster spot up for competition during training camp — which starts in September.
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