5 Realistic Targets for Golden State Warriors to Chase in 2015 NBA Free Agency
The Golden State Warriors are living the high life after winning their first NBA championship in 40 years, but they still need to take notice of the free-agency market. General manager Bob Myers and the Warriors brass have to be wary of the potential targets that fit their team and budget.
The Warriors have never been over the tax threshold, and a one-year stop might be the most co-owner Joe Lacob would be comfortable doing.
The projected tax level is $81.6 million for next season, and Golden State tentatively sits at $77.5 million.
Now, the tricky part starts. If the Warriors are $3.99 million or less over the tax level (the tax apron), they can keep both their mid-level exception ($5.46 million) and bi-annual exception ($2.1 million).
If Golden State goes over the tax apron, it would be left with the taxpayer’s MLE ($3.679 million).
The key question marks are how much will Draymond Green command, and what will they receive (including cap room) for David Lee after his NBA Finals mini-renaissance?
Green is making a paltry $915,243 this season and could easily bump that up to a max contract, which would look more reasonable after the salary-cap adjustment takes effect in 2016-17.
Lee was the most expensive Warrior this season and is scheduled to make $15.5 million next season. Since he will become an expiring contract, Lee is more marketable this summer for a team looking to make a big splash in free agency the following year.
The Warriors and David Lee will be working together to find him a new place this summer.
The Warriors will also have to take care of in-house matters by making decisions about Leandro Barbosa, Marreese Speights, Ognjen Kuzmic and Justin Holiday.
Green will be their biggest priority.
So, with a tight budget and limited holes to fill, who should Golden State target in free agency?
K.J. McDaniels, SG/SF
1 of 5
2014-15 Salary: $507,336
2015-16 Potential Salary: $2.1 million (bi-annual exception)
K.J. McDaniels is a restricted free agent that didn’t factor into the Houston Rockets rotation this season.
The 32nd overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft was sent to the Rockets at the trade deadline. His solid production off the bench was limited after switching teams.
In Philadelphia, his line was 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 25.4 minutes. During his stint in Houston, he averaged just 3.3 minutes during 10 games.
He excels on the defensive side of the ball, as evidenced by the number of rejections. His 6’11” wingspan helps deter shots and block passing lanes.
He is an athletic player, so he can space the floor and guard multiple positions. He would be a good second-team fit for the Warriors, who could use him in the same mold as NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.
Golden State will hope that the lack of playing time in Houston will reduce his asking price.
Leandro Barbosa, SG
2 of 5
2014-15 Salary: $1.45 million
2015-16 Potential Salary: $2.1 million
Leandro Barbosa brought the belief, the experience and his quickness to a young squad that didn’t have a lot of playoff success. Salary-wise, he played for the veteran’s minimum and was hand-picked by head coach Steve Kerr to join the squad.
Per Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, Kerr spoke highly of his veteran:
"Sure, he makes some mistakes, but the speed that he gives us -- I mean, think about the impact that he's made this year. I'm almost surprised to be even having this conversation, really. I know people are going to pick everything apart, but ... this guy's made a tremendous impact on our team, and that's going to continue.
"
Barbosa was a firecracker off the bench during the regular season and the playoffs. However, he did have a tough go during the midseason, where he lost minutes to restricted free agent Justin Holiday.
If Barbosa re-signs, expect him to see fewer minutes with the development of Holiday. However, his positive attitude and experience are necessary for another title run.
For the season, Barbosa put up 7.1 points, 1.5 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 14.9 minutes. He also shot 38.4 percent from behind the arc.
Marco Belinelli, SG/SF
3 of 5
2014-15 Salary: $2.87 million
2015-16 Potential Salary: $5.4 million
Marco Belinelli is a proven guard/forward that has won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs. He also has a previous history with Golden State.
He was selected with the 18th draft pick of the 2007 NBA draft, but was traded in the 2009 offseason. He didn’t quite reach his peak in those first two years, so Golden State could see the more mature player, if he signs.
Belinelli has been sound from the three-point area, as he connected on 37.4 percent of his tries this season. He put up a line of 9.2 points, 2.5 boards and 1.5 assists in 22.4 minutes. Since he played in the Popovich system, it wouldn’t take long to adjust to Kerr’s style.
The Warriors can look at him for a one- or two-year deal that will give Kerr a chance to develop Holiday or other young talent.
Spacing and shooting are a big part of the Warriors' success, and the former Warrior would make a nice fit.
Al-Farouq Aminu, F
4 of 5
2014-15 Salary: $981,084
2015-16 Potential Salary: $5.4 million
Al-Farouq Aminu is a solid basketball player that hasn’t yet found an NBA home. He has played for three teams in his five-year career and is potentially looking for a new pad.
Aminu is a young player who has the athleticism to defend, get dirty and pull down tough rebounds. He can also score when called upon. His averages seem paltry, but he contributes a lot on both ends. For the season, he put up a line of 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks.
He was successful with the Dallas Mavericks this season as mainly a glue guy. He also excelled versus the Rockets in his first playoff go-round. Yes, it is a small sample size of five games, but Aminu averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.6 blocks.
With his current low salary, the Warriors can market their core to court him for the bi-annual exception ($2.1 million). Chances are he would be pursued by other teams at a rate closer to the MLE ($5.4 million).
Per ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon, “League sources estimate that the market for Aminu will be in the $4 million per year range.”
Louis Williams, G
5 of 5
2014-15 Salary: $5.45 million
2015-16 Potential Salary: $9 million
Louis Williams would fit the style in head coach Steve Kerr’s motion offense if Leandro Barbosa is not retained. He can spread the floor and give the offense a quick burst of energy when needed.
He won the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year award this season, so he is primed for a raise. However, the Warriors can sell him with their style of play and newfound success.
By keeping Green, a David Lee trade would be required, if Golden State stands any chance of acquiring Williams’ services. The Warriors would then have to stay below the tax apron to keep both exceptions.
With Harrison Barnes' extension potentially in the works, Williams would likely have to take a one-year deal here and market himself for the salary cap adjustment in 2016-17.
The 10-year guard averaged 15.5 points, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 25.2 minutes for the Toronto Raptors this season. He connected a career-high 152 times from behind the arc. He is not afraid of attacking the basket and getting fouled. Although he is not a great defender, he knows how to force turnovers.
He is only 6’2”, but he could be another exciting piece on an already dynamic Warriors roster. Golden State could sell him on a one- or two-year deal, so he could find a longer-term contract after the cap jump.
RealGM.com’s Shams Charania tweeted that Williams could be looking at a three-year deal for $27 million.
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