4 Golden State Warriors who shouldn’t return next season

Kevon Looney, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Kevon Looney, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Warriors player #3: JaMychal Green

Warriors backup big man JaMychal Green signed a one-year deal with the team last summer but should not return next season. Green had a reputation for being a good defender and capable shooter and was brought in to help Golden State’s bench, but he ended up being mostly a disappointment.

To his credit, Green did have a big Game 3 performance against the Lakers in the West Semifinals, but he hasn’t been quite the player that many Warriors fans expected him to be this season. With Green becoming a free agent this summer, the Warriors should look elsewhere for frontcourt help rather than bring him back.

Historically, the Warriors have been able to attract ring chasers—veterans who are willing to take a pay cut to join a contending team—and fortunately for Golden State, there are plenty of cheap big-man options in this year’s free agency class. Thus, they should have no trouble finding an upgrade at that position.

Just replacing JaMychal Green won’t get Golden State back to the NBA Finals, but it could boost their second unit, which struggled at times this season and contributed to the team’s inconsistent play.