Warriors Rumors: Latest on Draymond Green and Free-Agent Targets

NBA championship in hand, the Golden State Warriors now turn to the wild free-agency period to reload and prepare for a second run. 

By most accounts, the Warriors got their offseason started on a good foot by grabbing Kevon Looney at the end of the first round in the 2015 NBA draft. Now the front office turns its attention to free agency, where it has one key free agent of its own to retain and sounds interested in a few other names set to hit the market.

Below, let's take a look at the latest rumblings surrounding the champions.

Warriors Pursuing Marco Belinelli?

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

It never hurts to look at the San Antonio Spurs for inspiration when it comes to roster building, nor does it hurt to take a few of their players on the open market.

The Warriors might do so when it comes to Marco Belinelli, a sharpshooter the Spurs brought on to do just one job—shoot the long ball.

Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears reported the interest: 

Belinelli has the look of key depth many teams around the league would not mind adding if the price is right.

Last year, he averaged 9.2 points on 22.4 minutes per game. The important note, of course, was his 37 percent conversion rate from behind the arc. In 2013-14, it stood at 43 percent, and over eight seasons in the league, it has never dropped below 35 percent.

It should go without saying, then, that the Warriors would like another sharpshooting presence off the bench. Such talent helped the Warriors to a title, so adding more couldn't hurt, especially via a 29-year-old veteran.

The important thing to keep in mind, though, is the Warriors won't be the lone team making a play for the Italy native.

The Draymond Green Saga

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

It's no secret the Warriors want to keep forward Draymond Green around for quite a long time.

The hurdle, of course, is cap space. After a breakout season and helping lift the team to a title, Green stands in a position to demand quality money, cash other teams around the league might have no problems dishing out.

In a career-high 31.5 minutes per game last year, Green's third season, the Michigan State product posted career highs of 11.7 points, 3.7 assists and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the floor.

Despite all of this, it remains quiet on Green's front, minus his telling Spears last week, "The one thing I've been taught is to go into this thing with no expectations."

As for the Warriors, ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reported they made him a priority when the market opened, noting the forward won't take any other visits if he likes how it goes:

She later followed up on the proceedings:

In other words, it now becomes time to play the waiting game.

While doing so, it's important to keep in mind that it sounds like Green doesn't want to play anywhere else. Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News spoke with sources on the matter:

"

According to one of the sources with knowledge of Green’s plans, he loves the franchise, his teammates and the area too much to leave. Life after a championship only confirmed to him how much he wanted to stay. He is even willing to take less than the maximum to keep the core together long term.

"

The above is what any championship winner faces the following offseason. Green was a key component of the title run, a critical defender and shooter who can stretch the floor and keep big men out of the paint.

For Golden State, it's all about keeping the nucleus centered on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson together. Green remains a major part of the plan despite the addition of Looney, especially with David Lee's future up in the air.

If Green wants to take less money to stay with the team, great, because with a new television deal looming and creating a major cap bump, other teams around the league might throw a max offer his way, which in other scenarios might mean a change of scenery.

Anything can happen in free agency. The most interesting scenario right out of the gates features the dance between Green and the champions.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.