Golden State Warriors: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018
3. Gerald Green and the veteran minimum wing market
The Warriors can choose to use their MLE on a big man or a wing. The latter will likely be their top priority, for reasons we’ll get into later. Should they end up going the other direction, however, finding minimum value wings will become paramount.
Look at how thin Golden State’s rotation was stretched last postseason. One injury to Andre Iguodala, and the team was playing Nick Young crucial minutes. Imagine if one more guy had gone down?
Upgrading on Young — who was signed using last year’s MLE — will be tough at this price. The better hope is that one of McCaw and rookie Jacob Evans can grow into that role. Counting on either youngster would be foolish, however. Bringing in a veteran is essential, for insurance if nothing else.
Free agent Gerald Green plans to meet with Houston in Los Angeles on July 1, league sources tell ESPN. The athletic, 3-point specialist has multiple suitors.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2018
The most obvious fit is Gerald Green, the emergency wing on Golden State’s top competitor last season. Why the Houston native would leave the Rockets is uncertain, but should a reason arise, he would bring 3-point shooting, length and surprising playoff intensity. James Ennis is another quality option. He defends more consistently than Green and shoots a bit worse, but would be a great value at the minimum.
The drop-off is steep after that. If they do not get Green or Ennis, the Warriors will have to choose between undersized and defensively-challenged scorers (Seth Curry, Jamal Crawford, Marco Belinelli) or offensively-challenged defenders (Dorian Finney-Smith, Jeff Green).
This is the No. 1 reason why the club should pursue a wing over a big at the MLE. The difference between the $5 million guys and the minimum guys is massive on the perimeter and miniscule up front.