NBA free agency: Evaluating all the Warriors’ contract situations
Free agency starts Thursday at 3 p.m. PT and the Golden State Warriors
are hoping to bring back Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr.
>BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole
(3) and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) celebrate winning the
NBA Championship at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, June 16,
2022. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90.
(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
>BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole
(3) and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) celebrate winning the
NBA Championship at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, June 16,
2022. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90.
(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
By KERRY CROWLEY | kcrowley@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: June 29, 2022 at 5:35 a.m. | UPDATED: June 29, 2022 at 7:27 a.m.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/06/29/nba-free-agency-evaluating-all-the-warriors-contract-situations/

Parade. Draft. Free agency.

The NBA calendar stops for no one, including Warriors general manager
Bob Myers, who enjoyed a memorable trip down Market Street before
solidifying Golden State’s draft plans.

With NBA free agency set to start Thursday at 3 p.m. PT, Myers is once
again busy as he’ll try to retain key role players and fan favorites
such as Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II while trying to keep the
Warriors’ luxury tax bill in check.

Here’s a look at the current state of the Warriors’ roster with details
on each player’s contract situation.

- The Core

Stephen Curry (34 years old): One of the greatest players in NBA
history, Curry is tied to Golden State through 2026 on a four-year, $215
million extension he signed last August as he became the first player to
ever sign multiple $200 million deals. Entering his 14th season, the
two-time MVP and 2022 Finals MVP should be a Warrior for life.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Golden State Warriors' Klay
Thompson (11) celebrates a play against the Boston Celtics in the second
quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase Center in San
Francisco, Calif., on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay
Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Golden State Warriors’ Klay
Thompson (11) celebrates a play against the Boston Celtics in the second
quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase Center in San
Francisco, Calif., on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay
Area News Group)
Klay Thompson (32): Curry’s Splash Brother and a beloved figure in the
Bay Area, Thompson has two more seasons on the five-year, $190 million
max deal he signed shortly after tearing his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals.

Draymond Green (32): The third member of the Warriors’ dynastic trio
reminded fans of his all-around greatness with an outstanding
performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals as Golden State clinched its
fourth title in eight seasons. Like Thompson, Green is under contract
for two more seasons, however, he can opt out of his deal after this
year. Green has a player option for $27.5 million for the 2023-2024 season.

- The free agents

Kevon Looney (26): Looney may look and play like a grizzled veteran, but
despite being one of a handful of NBA players to appear in all 82 games
this season, the UCLA product has only appeared in 367 career games over
seven seasons. Widely considered the Warriors’ top free-agent priority,
Looney showcased tremendous rebounding ability during the postseason and
his presence could be just as valuable next year if James Wiseman fails
to make meaningful progress or is limited due to persistent knee issues.
With Warriors assistant Mike Brown now coaching in Sacramento, the Kings
are considered serious suitors, but Myers expects Golden State to have a
chance to counter any offer Looney receives.

Gary Payton II (29): A defensive menace who went from the 15th man on
the roster to one of the Warriors’ most important role players this
year, Payton is also a high priority for the front office. It’s unclear
how much Payton will command on the free-agent market, but there’s a
belief he might be willing to pass up better offers to return to Golden
State and play around teammates and fans who understand the value he
brings to the Warriors.

>SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: Golden State Warriors’ Gary
Payton II (0) blocks a shot by Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (15) in the
first quarter of Game 1 of their NBA first round playoff series at Chase
Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Ray
Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Otto Porter Jr. (29): The Warriors would like to keep Porter too, but
doing so may prove more difficult than retaining Looney and Payton
because he’s lower on their priority list. A solid wing who knocked down
some memorable shots for Golden State during the postseason, Porter
could be offered the Warriors’ $6.4 million taxpayer mid-level
exception. There are no guarantees he takes it, though.

Nemanja Bjelica (34): Bjelica signed a veteran minimum deal to play with
Golden State last year and could likely find more playing time elsewhere
if he desires the opportunity. If he returns to the Warriors, it will
almost assuredly be on another veteran minimum contract.

Andre Iguodala (38): Iguodala has yet to clarify his plans for next
season, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the 18-year veteran
retires on top. If Iguodala wants to play again, the Warriors would
probably be thrilled to provide him an opportunity.

Juan Toscano-Anderson (29): An end-of-the-rotation player for the
Warriors, Toscano-Anderson is a restricted free agent who can be
tendered a qualifying offer on Wednesday. It’s uncertain whether the
Oakland native will find a better offer elsewhere, but it’s also unclear
how eager Golden State is to use a roster spot on Toscano-Anderson as it
aims to develop younger players.

Damion Lee (29): A backup guard who can hit 3-pointers is a valuable
asset to most NBA teams, but Lee turns the ball over frequently and
doesn’t play great defense. He is replaceable, but he’s also a
cost-effective option if Golden State prefers familiarity over external
options.

- The extension candidates

Andrew Wiggins (27): When the Warriors acquired Wiggins in the trade
that sent D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota in February 2020, his contract
was widely viewed as one of the worst in the NBA. Fast forward to the
summer of 2022, and after helping lead the Warriors past the Celtics in
the Finals, Wiggins’ future outlook has dramatically changed. Set to
become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, it’s possible
Wiggins –who will earn upward of $33 million this year– could sign an
extension with Golden State later this summer. Any deal would have
massive luxury tax ramifications, but Wiggins proved to be an excellent
fit with the Warriors and is still five years younger than each member
of their championship core.

>SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Golden State Warriors’ Andrew
Wiggins (22) goes up for a basket past Boston Celtics’ Robert Williams
(44) in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase
Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, June 13, 2022. The Golden
State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 104-94. (Jose Carlos
Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Jordan Poole (23): A year after spending time in the G League to refine
every aspect of his game, Poole is also a candidate to sign an extension
with the Warriors as he’s set to become a free agent at the end of the
2022-2023 season. There’s speculation Poole could fetch an extension in
the four-year, $80-to-$100 million range this summer, but it’s possible
Poole bets on himself and plays next season on an expiring contract to
prove he’s worth even more.

- The recent lottery picks

James Wiseman (21): The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has
played just 39 games and none in the last year due to knee issues, but
the Warriors must decide whether to exercise his $12.1 million
fourth-year option for the 2023-2024 season by Oct. 31. Even if Wiseman
hasn’t been able to stay on the court, it’s difficult to see Golden
State giving up on a former lottery pick with massive potential.

Jonathan Kuminga (19): The first of the Warriors’ two lottery picks in
last year’s draft, Kuminga showed the ability to contribute as a rookie
and received praise from veteran teammates who believe he has All-Star
potential. Kuminga’s four-year rookie deal lasts through the 2024-2025
season.

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Moses Moody (20): After the Warriors took Kuminga with pick No. 7 last
year, they drafted Moody at No. 14 and watched him morph into a valuable
addition. Another member of the Warriors’ next core, Moody’s rookie deal
also lasts through the 2024-2025 season.

Allen wrote:
> NBA free agency: Evaluating all the Warriors’ contract situations
> Free agency starts Thursday at 3 p.m. PT and the Golden State Warriors
> are hoping to bring back Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr.
> >BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS –  JUNE 16: Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole
> (3) and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) celebrate winning the
> NBA Championship at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, June 16,
> 2022. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90.
> (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
> >BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole
> (3) and Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney (5) celebrate winning the
> NBA Championship at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, June 16,
> 2022. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90.
> (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
> By KERRY CROWLEY | kcrowley@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
> PUBLISHED: June 29, 2022 at 5:35 a.m. | UPDATED: June 29, 2022 at 7:27 a.m.
> https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/06/29/nba-free-agency-evaluating-all-the-warriors-contract-situations/
>
>
>
> Parade. Draft. Free agency.
>
> The NBA calendar stops for no one, including Warriors general manager
> Bob Myers, who enjoyed a memorable trip down Market Street before
> solidifying Golden State’s draft plans.
>
> With NBA free agency set to start Thursday at 3 p.m. PT, Myers is once
> again busy as he’ll try to retain key role players and fan favorites
> such as Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II while trying to keep the
> Warriors’ luxury tax bill in check.
>
> Here’s a look at the current state of the Warriors’ roster with details
> on each player’s contract situation.
>
> - The Core
>
> Stephen Curry (34 years old): One of the greatest players in NBA
> history, Curry is tied to Golden State through 2026 on a four-year, $215
> million extension he signed last August as he became the first player to
> ever sign multiple $200 million deals. Entering his 14th season, the
> two-time MVP and 2022 Finals MVP should be a Warrior for life.
>
> SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA -  JUNE 13: Golden State Warriors' Klay
> Thompson (11) celebrates a play against the Boston Celtics in the second
> quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase Center in San
> Francisco, Calif., on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay
> Area News Group)
> SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Golden State Warriors’ Klay
> Thompson (11) celebrates a play against the Boston Celtics in the second
> quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase Center in San
> Francisco, Calif., on Monday, June 13, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay
> Area News Group)
> Klay Thompson (32): Curry’s Splash Brother and a beloved figure in the
> Bay Area, Thompson has two more seasons on the five-year, $190 million
> max deal he signed shortly after tearing his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals.
>
> Draymond Green (32): The third member of the Warriors’ dynastic trio
> reminded fans of his all-around greatness with an outstanding
> performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals as Golden State clinched its
> fourth title in eight seasons. Like Thompson, Green is under contract
> for two more seasons, however, he can opt out of his deal after this
> year. Green has a player option for $27.5 million for the 2023-2024 season.
>
> - The free agents
>
> Kevon Looney (26): Looney may look and play like a grizzled veteran, but
> despite being one of a handful of NBA players to appear in all 82 games
> this season, the UCLA product has only appeared in 367 career games over
> seven seasons. Widely considered the Warriors’ top free-agent priority,
> Looney showcased tremendous rebounding ability during the postseason and
> his presence could be just as valuable next year if James Wiseman fails
> to make meaningful progress or is limited due to persistent knee issues.
> With Warriors assistant Mike Brown now coaching in Sacramento, the Kings
> are considered serious suitors, but Myers expects Golden State to have a
> chance to counter any offer Looney receives.
>
> Gary Payton II (29): A defensive menace who went from the 15th man on
> the roster to one of the Warriors’ most important role players this
> year, Payton is also a high priority for the front office. It’s unclear
> how much Payton will command on the free-agent market, but there’s a
> belief he might be willing to pass up better offers to return to Golden
> State and play around teammates and fans who understand the value he
> brings to the Warriors.
>
> >SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: Golden State Warriors’ Gary
> Payton II (0) blocks a shot by Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (15) in the
> first quarter of Game 1 of their NBA first round playoff series at Chase
> Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Ray
> Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
>
> Otto Porter Jr. (29): The Warriors would like to keep Porter too, but
> doing so may prove more difficult than retaining Looney and Payton
> because he’s lower on their priority list. A solid wing who knocked down
> some memorable shots for Golden State during the postseason, Porter
> could be offered the Warriors’ $6.4 million taxpayer mid-level
> exception. There are no guarantees he takes it, though.
>
> Nemanja Bjelica (34): Bjelica signed a veteran minimum deal to play with
> Golden State last year and could likely find more playing time elsewhere
> if he desires the opportunity. If he returns to the Warriors, it will
> almost assuredly be on another veteran minimum contract.
>
> Andre Iguodala (38): Iguodala has yet to clarify his plans for next
> season, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the 18-year veteran
> retires on top. If Iguodala wants to play again, the Warriors would
> probably be thrilled to provide him an opportunity.
>
> Juan Toscano-Anderson (29): An end-of-the-rotation player for the
> Warriors, Toscano-Anderson is a restricted free agent who can be
> tendered a qualifying offer on Wednesday. It’s uncertain whether the
> Oakland native will find a better offer elsewhere, but it’s also unclear
> how eager Golden State is to use a roster spot on Toscano-Anderson as it
> aims to develop younger players.
>
> Damion Lee (29): A backup guard who can hit 3-pointers is a valuable
> asset to most NBA teams, but Lee turns the ball over frequently and
> doesn’t play great defense. He is replaceable, but he’s also a
> cost-effective option if Golden State prefers familiarity over external
> options.
>
> - The extension candidates
>
> Andrew Wiggins (27): When the Warriors acquired Wiggins in the trade
> that sent D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota in February 2020, his contract
> was widely viewed as one of the worst in the NBA. Fast forward to the
> summer of 2022, and after helping lead the Warriors past the Celtics in
> the Finals, Wiggins’ future outlook has dramatically changed. Set to
> become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, it’s possible
> Wiggins –who will earn upward of $33 million this year– could sign an
> extension with Golden State later this summer. Any deal would have
> massive luxury tax ramifications, but Wiggins proved to be an excellent
> fit with the Warriors and is still five years younger than each member
> of their championship core.
>

It's really remarkable how much Wiggins increased his stock during the
playoffs. He now appears to be absolutely necessary for his defensive
abilities alone.

--Robin