.png){kind=small}
*Photo via USA Today
Golden State Warriors (67-15) – NBA Champions
Season Summary:
67 victories, two All-NBA performers, two All-NBA defensive performers, Executive of the Year, Most Valuable Player and a NBA Championship. What more can I say about the 2014-15 Golden State Warriors? Well, not much, so let’s just listen to Draymond Green.
Cap Space: None (subject to change) Golden State can use exceptions to sign players (BAE - MLE - Minimum).
Reports have suggested that Golden State will look to trade David Lee’s $15.5 million expiring contract this offseason.
Free Agents:
F Draymond Green (Restricted)
Golden State will match any offer sheet Green accepts. Dray loves the Bay, and the Bay loves Dray. He’ll be back.
SG/SF Brandon Rush (Accepted Player Option – $1,270,964)
Seldom used swingman Brandon Rush exercised his player option and will return for the Warriors for next season. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season.
PF Marreese Speights (Team Option – $3,815,000)
Marreese Speights had one of the all-time great Shaqtin-A-Fool moments in the NBA Finals, but he was actually a solid contributor during the regular season. With David Lee on the trading block this offseason, expect the Dubs to pick up Mo Buckets’ team option and have him return for one more season.
SG/SF Justin Holiday (Restricted)
Holiday was a solid contributor for the Warriors during the season. Golden State was healthy throughout the season but the injury bug could strike at any time. Holiday would be able to step in during the regular season when needed after having one full year under the current system.
C Ognjen Kuzmic (Restricted)
Kuzmic played 4.5 minutes per game and appeared in only 16 games this regular season for the Dubs. With their first round pick of Power Forward Kevon Looney as a more versatile replacement, Kuzmic probably will not be under contract next season.
PG/SG Leandro Barbosa (Unrestricted)
Barbosa played a big role for Golden State as their third guard this past season. However, with the Dubs probably dipping into the luxury tax this upcoming season, expect Barbosa to be wearing another uniform in 2015-16.
Team Needs:
Versatile depth – The 2014-15 Dubs were able to change the course of the 2015 NBA Finals by having five-players on the court that could dribble, pass, shoot and defend. There is always a need for more in the current NBA where injuries can strike in an instant.
Possible Targets: Addition of multiple free agents is not likely as Golden State will likely keep the majority of their championship roster intact.
SG Gary Neal – Neal is a sharpshooter from downtown with NBA Finals experience who could be great for Golden State as someone who plays spot minutes.
PG Jameer Nelson – A veteran floor general who could play as a second or third guard off the bench.
PG Riley Curry – She’s the only person who’s been able to shut down Stephen Curry and win the hearts of America all in a matter of a couple of minutes. No, Matthew Dellavedova doesn’t count. She would also be able to keep media attention away from the reigning MVP.
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/golden_state_warriors/
http://www.spotrac.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/yearly/cap/
http://warriors.247sports.com/Bolt/Where-do-the-Warriors-go-from-here-37806540
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/GSW/2015.html
http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/01/warriors-bob-myers-2014-15-executive-of-the-year-award-official-release/
http://www.nba.com/freeagents/2015/