Golden State Warriors: Setting expectations for pending free agents

Jun 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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The ring-chasers: Zaza Pachulia and David West

This all comes down to what these guys want. Both Zaza Pachulia and David West came to the Warriors on majorly cheap deals to play for their first NBA championship. Both guys are 14-year NBA vets who have made plenty of money, and it logically follows that both would be willing to return for similar prices as last season.

If they want more, they’ll have to get it elsewhere. Given the bloated center market, Golden State will have no problem finding more bigs who want to chase rings for cheap this summer. While there is no guarantee that the guys they bring in would work out as well as Pachulia and West, there’s also no guarantee that Pachulia (33) and West (soon to be 37) will work out again next season.

With that being said, the Warriors can keep both guys with the taxpayer MLE ($5.2 million) and veteran’s minimum ($2.3 million), and would likely prefer to do so rather than taking their chances. While it’s possible that more skilled vets such as Nene would want to come aboard, the known quantity and fit of Pachulia and West — both are durable, consistent and good matchups against Cleveland — should win out.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Projections: One year, $3 million (Pachulia); one year, $2.3 million (West)

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