Warriors' 2023 Free-Agent Big Board, Top Players to Target

The Golden State Warriors shouldn't have much to prove after their fourth NBA title in eight years came just last season.

In reality, though, the Dubs enter this offseason needing to prove something to themselves: whether this core can still make noise in the title race.

This season's squad never approached that level. Road woes, a leakier defense than normal and inconsistency from the role players all contributed to a 38-loss campaign that derailed for good in the conference semis.

Clearly, there's work to be done with this roster (and maybe this front office, too). But with limited funds at their disposal, the Warriors won't make major noise in free agency—not with external free agents, at least.

3. Yuta Watanabe

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Brooklyn Nets walks backcourt during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

With the Warriors potentially looking to cut costs in light of the collective bargaining agreement's new restrictions on big spenders, they may only have minimum money to throw around on players outside the organization.

That would obviously drain the player pool considerably, but maybe they could sneak in a potential bargain like Yuta Watanabe.

His 2022-23 breakout was interrupted by the Brooklyn Nets' deadline dealing, which quickly congested the wing rotation. Watanabe was often squeezed out, which potentially clouds over what was otherwise a convincing campaign.

He spent the first half of the season energizing a Nets team that was still championship chasing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Watanabe, a 6'9" swingman, consistently made his presence felt with energetic defense, transition attacking and a three-ball that fell at a personal-best rate of 44.4 percent (and a ridiculous 51.4 percent from the corners, per NBA.com).

2. Donte DiVincenzo

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 12: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors look on during Game 6 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Since acquiring outside help could be a challenge, the Dubs might spend the bulk of their free-agency dealings on talent retention.

Keeping Donte DiVincenzo is a no-brainer—if they can afford him. He outperformed the $4.7 million player option he holds for next season, per Spotrac, and might want more than Golden State can pay (the highest starting salary the Warriors can offer DiVincenzo is $5.4 million).

Then again, if he believes in this group's championship chances, maybe he'd value that enough to stick around.

Wherever the Warriors set their expectations for his first season in their system, he clearly exceeded them. He shot a career-best 39.7 percent from the three, posted his second-highest field-goal percentage (43.5), more than doubled his turnovers (1.6) with assists (3.5) and routinely brought a pesky presence to this perimeter defense.

1. Draymond Green

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors high five during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Over the years, there have been countless debates about the kind of player Draymond Green would be outside of Golden State. At the same time, there probably hasn't been enough talk about who the Warriors would be without him.

"If Draymond's not back, we're not a championship contender," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "We know that. He's that important to winning, to who we are."

Green's value runs the gamut from emotional leadership, dynamic defense and offensive quarterbacking. It's imperative to keep that value in mind when weighing the merits of giving a 33-year-old a lanky and pricey pact if (when?) he declines his $27.6 million player option for next season. Maybe the contract wouldn't age the greatest on the back end, but if he exited, the impact of his loss would be immediate and profound.

The Dubs desperately need Green, and you could argue the feeling is mutual. Stay together, and they can at least hold out hope of contending next season. Split up, and there's no telling what the future holds for both.