While the main downfall of the Golden State Warriors’ season came down to Steph Curry missing almost the entirety of the second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, his absence wasn’t the only element playing a role. Trading for Jimmy Butler changed the trajectory of Golden State’s season, no question about it. That said, a major roster flaw was left unattended: the center position. The lack of size was evident against the Houston Rockets. Still, the Warriors got through that series, albeit in seven games. The Timberwolves were a different story, though, considering Rudy Gobert‘s presence, easily out-towering all of Golden State. It’s the center position that the Warriors’ offseason plans will be focused on, among other positions that help the franchise’s Big 3.
Warriors Offseason Plans Involve Chasing Big 3 Support
Golden State Warriors’ offseason plans will revolve around landing a center and wing defender
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors intend to improve their paint presence over the summer and look at upgrades to their wing. Aside from a true center, or a big man in general, the Warriors lack athleticism on the perimeter, specifically wing defenders. Golden State’s primary source of athleticism came from Jonathan Kuminga. Unfortunately, Kuminga was sparsely used for much of the postseason, that is, until Curry injured his hamstring. At that point, Steve Kerr likely felt forced to play Kuminga, and he stepped up.
Overall, what Golden State currently has around Butler, Draymond Green, and Curry is evidently not enough. As Shams reports, the Warriors will go into the offseason with the goal of bolstering support for the Big 3.
“Sources told me in the last few hours, the Warriors will be incredibly aggressive in the marketplace to go find help, to continue to retool around their big 3 of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.” Charania continued, “I am told, their priority is finding a playmaking wing defender or a center to this group. A lot of it will come down to [who] Steve Kerr and the Big 3 feel like will help this team and fit their culture and their identity.”
Free agent centers on the market
The free agent market isn’t exactly ripe with top-tier center prospects. Instead, there are several more secondary options the Warriors might have to settle for. Either way, the West is home to a fair share of premier big men, and the Warriors must find someone to boost them in any way possible.
A few first option names like Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, or Myles Turner jump out at first glance. Turner is still playing in the playoffs, but is a free agent this summer. In Lopez’s case, ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently reported that the Warriors could have interest in the Milwaukee Bucks’ big man, and that he might be their best target. Turner will also be a coveted option for a few teams, provided the Indiana Pacers choose to let him walk. If Golden State can’t land a top-tier name, they have the likes of Jaxson Hayes, Andre Drummond, Al Horford, Steven Adams, or even Luke Kornet, who has suddenly splashed onto the scene for the Boston Celtics. All of the above are free agents this summer.
Another possibility for the Warriors to consider is Naz Reid, if Minnesota doesn’t bring him back. Reid isn’t a traditional centre in any way, and plays a lot of his basketball outside of the paint. That said, he is a quality big man who can defend centers any given night. His three-point shooting would be an added bonus for the Warriors.
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