The Warriors have wrapped up Day 2 of free agency in fascinating fashion.
Hours after Kevin Durant announced he'd sign with the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State engineered a complicated sign-and-trade with the Nets, that sent to D'Angelo Russell to the Warriors with a four-year, $117 million agreement.
To make the deal work, the Warriors sent veteran Andre Iguodala, two protected first round picks and an unprotected pick to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, with Russell's new contract triggering a hard cap for the Warriors and Kevon Looney's freshly minted 3-year, $15 million deal, the Warriors will have just $12 million to fill out its roster.
Because of that, with the roster standing at just 11 players, the Warriors will have just the veteran's minimum to entice free agents.
Below are seven options the Warriors can pursue during the free agent period.
Tyson Chandler
The 18-year vet bolstered the Los Angeles Lakers defense when he signed with his hometown team mid-season.
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Prior to joining the Lakers, Chandler was presented an opportunity to join the Warriors, who were dealing with a battered frontcourt. While Chandler opted against Golden State eight months ago, he would be a welcomed addition to the Warriors young frontcourt and can provide a positive lockerroom presence for the veteran's minimum.
Kosta Koufos
Despite playing just 42 games for the Sacramento Kings last season, Koufas was a positive force in Sacramento's locker room. On the court, he is a starting caliber big man who can help with Golden State's defensive shortcomings.
With Damian Jones and 18-year old Alen Smailagic the only big men on the roster, Koufas can simultaneously mentor Golden State's frontcourt core while providing quality minutes for the veteran's minimum.
Zaza Pachulia
Some Warrior fans may cringe at the notion, but Pachulia would enter Golden State's locker room with instant credibility.
While starting 127 games in his two-year stint with Golden State, he helped the Warriors to bask to back titles. Pachulia also has one attribute most of the free agent crop doesn't: He would seamlessly fit into the Warriors' system.
Greg Monroe
Monroe is years removed from the dominant force he was years ago in Detroit. However, he has shown signs of promise, averaging 13.7 points and four rebounds on 62 percent from the field over the last three games of the season with the Sixers.
With Golden State's backcourt responsible for much of the scoring burden, Monroe could provide a veteran presence at a cheap price.
Wilson Chandler
With Alfonzo McKinnie the only small forward on the roster, Chandler could help spell some minutes. Last season, Chandler averaged six points, shooting 37 percent from 3-point range.
Following the season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the team will look to develop a younger roster. With Chandler in the fold, Golden State will be able to accomplish the team's mandate while having a capable veteran help with the process.
Anthony Tolliver
Tolliver is familiar with the Bay Area, having got his start in Golden State nearly a decade ago. Since his first stint in the Bay Area, he's carved a niche as a reliable shooter, making 37 percent of his 3-pointers over his 12-year career.
Last season with the Timberwolves, he shot nearly 38 percent from 3-point range. With the market continuing to dry up, Tolliver would be a good get at the veteran's minimum.
Nene
The 7-foot Brazilian declined his $3.8 million player option with the Rockets Sunday, giving the free agent market a 17-year veteran big man.
Last season, Nene averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as a backup center. With the Warriors young frontcourt, Nene will sure provide a positive lockerroom presence on a team that could use it.
