The Golden State Warriors are going to be limited this offseason when it comes to signing free agents. Their top two stars, Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, are earning $54 million each, with Draymond Green, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield also having high salaries.
According to Warriors insider Monte Poole, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and company are going for elite perimeter defenders in free agency. They can try the trade market, but their options are limited. They have a $5.7 million mid-level exception to use on players who are looking for a bounce-back season or the veteran minimum for older players.
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Here are five perimeter defenders the Warriors could target this offseason.
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Top 5 elite perimeter defenders the Golden State Warriors can target
#5 - Ben Simmons
Before all of his issues and injuries, Ben Simmons was one of the elite defenders in the NBA, plus his playmaking was top tier. Simmons spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets and LA Clippers, looking like a shell of his former self at just 28 years old.
The Golden State Warriors could use the veteran's minimum on Simmons, who likely wants another shot in the NBA. He does need a positive locker room to thrive, and Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler might make or break him. Steph Curry is also there to provide some motivation to be greater and possibly help Simmons recover some of his mojo.
#4 - Taurean Prince
Another potentially cheap option for the Golden State Warriors is Taurean Prince. There's nothing impressive or eye-popping in Prince's game, but he gets the job done. He's a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He won't necessarily shut down elite players, but he'll make them work.
Prince is also a good 3-point shooter, which always has a place in Steve Kerr's offense. He shot a career-high 43.9% from beyond the arc with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. He also played 80 games, so the durability factor is also there.
#3 - Dante Exum
Dante Exum has revived his career with the Dallas Mavericks over the past two seasons, especially in 2024. Exum was limited to just 18 games last season because of a wrist injury at the start, then suffered a hand injury in April. He's expected to be ready for training camp.
Due to his injuries, Exum might not be in line for a big contract. He could settle for a mid-level exception, which the Golden State Warriors can use. He's a versatile defender with good length and lateral movement. He can also act as a playmaker, so that's a plus for Golden State.
#2 - Gary Harris
The Orlando Magic declined Gary Harris' team option for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent. At just 30 years old, Harris is still in his prime and remains a good player defensively. He has battled injuries during his time in Orlando, but the Golden State Warriors can use a player like him.
As long as he doesn't cost much, Harris can start for the Warriors depending on matchups. He could also come off the bench to provide defense and 3-point shooting. He's a career 37.0% shooter and will be used the right way by Steve Kerr.
#1 - Bruce Brown Jr.
Two seasons after helping the Denver Nuggets win an NBA championship, Bruce Brown Jr. has played for the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. It has been a rough time for Brown due to injuries, so he may want to go to a winning situation to increase his value.
The Golden State Warriors can sign him to their mid-level exception, making him a starter or even a sixth man. He's capable of playing and defending multiple positions and acts as a scorer and playmaker as well. He's an upgrade over Gary Payton II, who is not expected to return to the Bay Area.
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