Golden State Warriors: Setting expectations for pending free agents

Shaun Livingston

Livingston’s fate depends on Iguodala. If the 2015 Finals MVP leaves, Golden State will both have the money and desperation needed to get any deal done. Livingston’s injury history and relative lack of stature will keep his number down, but anything up to three years, $36 million seems possible.

If Iguodala stays, things get trickier. The Warriors are going to pay a hefty tax bill no matter what next season, but devoting a combined $30 million to the two vets would push them up to $136 million, or about $16 million over the tax. That’s before retaining or looking elsewhere for their rotation bigs.

Livingston is important, but not vital to the Warriors as long as they’re healthy. Durant’s presence on the second unit has lessened the team’s reliance on Livingston’s post-up game, although he becomes vital when Kerr goes away from a stagger. Also, an upper-echelon backup point guard becomes extremely valuable in the event of a Curry injury.

Given that Livingston hasn’t made as much money as Iguodala in his career, he may be more inclined to go elsewhere for more. Lacob will likely meet in the middle ($8 million a year seems reasonable), but if Livingston wants one more big payday, he’ll have to get it elsewhere.

Projection:  Three years, $25 million with Warriors; three years, $36 million elsewhere