Warriors' 2024 Free-Agent Big Board, Top Players to Target

Tinkering around the margins will be the task at hand for the Golden State Warriors in 2024 NBA free agency.

Well, it well be when they look outside the organization for help, at least.

Internally, they have some massive decisions to make—Klay Thompson waves hello—but externally, they are short on funds and don't have many rotation spots to fill. We'll try building an external free agent big board anyway by finding potential bargains who'd have a non-zero chance of finding the floor for Golden State next season.

3. Monte Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 20: Monte Morris #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the second half in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on April 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

For years, the Warriors were routinely atrocious whenever Stephen Curry needed a breather. That all went out the window with last summer's trade for Chris Paul. This past season, there wasn't much of a difference for Golden State with Curry (plus-2.7 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com) or without (plus-1.4).

Some might see that as a reason to keep Paul around, but there are a few complications on that front. One, his present form isn't worth anywhere near the (non-guaranteed) $30 million salary he has for next season, per Spotrac. Two, he doesn't have the size or defense needed to suit up alongside Curry, so Paul wouldn't find enough minutes to warrant that kind of money.

Golden State shouldn't soon forget how helpful it can be having a legitimate lead guard operating in relief of Curry, though. That's how Monte Morris and his Point God-esque ball control (career 3.8 assists against 0.8 turnovers) could wind up on the Warriors' radar.

While he's too small to play in dual-point-guard lineups (6'2", 183 lbs), he'd have the kind of salary in which Golden State wouldn't be bothered by having him in a low-mileage reserve role. Caretaking the offense during non-Curry minutes is a quietly significant role and one the Warriors could have a chance to fill for cheap.

2. Cedi Osman, San Antonio Spurs

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Cedi Osman #16 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 31, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Players who know how to move without the basketball and possess quick processing skills and reliable outside shots are almost always fits for this system. Cedi Osman's chances of repeating this tried-and-true formula would be high.

What about his chances of signing a deal the Dubs can afford? That's debatable, though hardly impossible.

His minutes have been on a steady five-year decline, bottoming out at 17.6 in 2023-24 (the fewest he'd logged since his rookie season). He is limited enough on defense that free-agent shoppers might struggle to see him playing any more with them.

So, maybe he'd be open to signing for something close to the minimum. One-way veteran role players are seldom prioritized on the open market, and it's tough to gauge the Spurs' interest in a new deal when they have so many other young wings in need of floor time.

1. Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic catches a pass against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Kia Center on January 22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Next season's path out of the Western Conference is not only loaded, it's crowded by some massive frontcourts. If the Warriors seek out external upgrades this summer, it wouldn't at all surprise to see them go after more size.

Goga Bitadze—all 6'11" and 250 pounds of him—provides exactly that. And that's not at all he brings.

He does what you want a traditional center to do: protect the paint, clean the glass and free up perimeter scorers with solid screens. Orlando's crowded center rotation sometimes restricted him to the sideline, but when his number was called, he almost always helped. His per-36-minutes averages of 11.7 points (on a career-high 60.3 percent shooting), 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.7 blocks, per Basketball-Reference, speak to both his interior activity and solid feel for the game.

The hope is Bitadze's limited floor time (15.4 minutes) held down his numbers enough for front offices to overlook him, or at least not make him a priority target. If he could be had on a clearance contract, he could become a rotation regular on next season's Warriors.