Golden State Warriors: Shaun Livingston To Stay Put

The Golden State Warriors will have many tough decision to make this offseason, but retaining Shaun Livingston shouldn’t be one of them.

As the free agency period looms closer, the rumor mill is spinning rapidly. The Golden State Warriors have had their name is tons of conversations revolving around star free agents including Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Dirk Nowitzki.

In order to sign any of those players, they’ll have to shift around some guys who are currently questionable to return to the roster. Wednesday, it was hinted that Shaun Livingston, who played a vital role in their playoff success this season, won’t be going anywhere.

Marc Spears at the Undefeated reports:

"Also, sources say Golden State intends to keep Shaun Livingston on its books for next season. The Warriors could save a full $2.7 million if they release Livingston by Thursday, but sources confirmed Tuesday that the club is definitely keeping the veteran point guard, who will thus earn a guaranteed $5.7 million next season‎."

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The value of having a backup point guard that can come in and provide a change of pace behind

is immeasurable.

Even while Stephen Curry was healthy but struggling during the Finals, head coach Steve Kerr didn’t think twice about subbing him out for Livingston, and for good reason.

Livingston was the catalyst behind the Game 1 victory in the Finals, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.

His length creates problems for virtually every team in the league offensively and defensively. It seemed like every time he would attempt a pull-up jumper around the free-throw line over the smaller defender in the playoffs, it was automatic.

Now that teams realize his capabilites, Livingston will become more of a focus than before on the scouting report of opposing teams, which will ultimately create opportunities for others.

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Livingston is guaranteed $5.7 million for next season, which is an absolute bargain considering how important it is becoming to have real depth at point guard in the NBA.

It’s pretty much guaranteed that guys such as Matthew Dellavedova and D.J. Augustin will make more than Livingston next season with the salary cap rise.

Although it’s a good business decision for the Warriors to keep Livingston on the books, it leaves them with tougher ones in the near future. Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala and Festus Ezeli will all be players that the front office has to decide whether or not they are worth keeping.

All of which played vital roles in completing the historic 73-win season, but now that Harrison Barnes is going to want a big contract, it forces the Warriors to cut ties with at least two of the players listed above.

The Warriors’ front office did a tremendous job keeping the championship team from the 2014-15 season together. But with their loss in the Finals this season, they face the decision to break ties in order to improve.

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There will be many tough calls for the Warriors this summer, but retaining Livingston is a no-brainer.