Warriors reportedly kicking the tires on adding free agent sharpshooter
By Cal Durrett
The Golden State Warriors' roster is almost complete ahead of training camp in September but they may still have an open roster spot left. They are close to being hard-capped but they could get creative to add a 15th player with them expected to waive Jackson Rowe to clear out a spot. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, they plan to bring in veteran Davis Bertans for a workout.
Dāvis Bertāns has been invited to work out for the Warriors as Golden State determines whether to extend a training camp invite to the Latvian sharpshooter, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 3, 2024
Rudy Gay earned a Warriors training camp invite last season after similar auditions.
Bertans spent last season on the Oklahoma City Thunder and then the Charlotte Hornets but only logged 43 games last year. Even so, he is arguably the best shooter left in free agency, with a career 3-point shooting percentage of 39.6% on 4.7 attempts per game.
His ability to shoot sprinting off screens or spotting up and bombing from way outside has kept him around the NBA even as his role has dwindled. Combine his gravity as a shooter with his size at 6'11 and he may be worth a flyer from the Warriors. Golden State doesn't have as much of a need for shooting but could always use depth in the frontcourt.
Should the Golden State Warriors sign Davis Bertans this summer?
The Warriors are only $533,659 under the first tax apron and Bertans' minimum contract would cost just under $3,000,000. They may sign him to a non-guaranteed contract and make another move during the summer or in the season to get back under the apron to make it work.
However, that might be too much work to add Bertans, who wouldn't be much of a needle mover. Golden State could always try him at center given their lack of size, but that seems like an awkward fit despite his sharpshooting.
On the other hand, the Warriors won't be their normal landing spot for experienced veterans so Bertans might be the best they can do, aside from bringing in an unproven player from the G League. Ironically, given their financial limitations, that may be the more likely option.
All in all, while Bertans would give Golden State more size and shooting, they are financially limited. They may be able to do some cap maneuvering to sign him but they may choose a cheaper option if they decide to add another player.
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