Golden State Warriors expected to take a swing at landing a big man

The Golden State Warriors, with the money allotted to the core four, would seem to be strapped for cash – yet, they’re still expected to take a run at a high profile free agent.

The Golden State Warriors have a bit of a problem. With the money already tied up in Stephen Curry‘s contract, the money that will be tied up in the deal for Kevin Durant, not to mention deals for Klay Thompson (UFA 2109) and Draymond Green (UFA 2020), Golden State is going to be up against the cap, looking at some serious luxury tax money, and may be strapped for cash.

And yet, despite that, many are expecting the Warriors to take a run at signing former Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan.

Many are expecting Jordan to wind up in Dallas – with the same Mavericks team he left high and dry four years ago, after being locked in a room and “persuaded” to stay in LA by his former teammates.

More from Golden Gate Sports

But, there is a small window of opportunity for other teams to jump into the mix and make their pitches to the big man. And apparently, the Warriors are rumored to be one of those teams.

Let’s be real for a minute. Adding a big body like the six-foot-eleven, 265 pound Jordan to this lethal Warriors lineup would most definitely elevate their game. After all, despite Draymond Green’s best efforts, rebounding has been an issue for this club.

With Zaza Pachulia, and JaVale McGee both free agents, it’s at least feasible that the Warriors could opt to let them both walk away in an attempt to upgrade the center position by signing Jordan. And make no mistake, it would be an upgrade.

Golden State ranked seventeenth in the league in total rebounding last season – seventh in defensive rebounding, but a woeful twenty-eighth on the offensive glass.

Jordan ranked third in the league in offensive rebounding, second in defensive rebounding, and second overall.

When comparing who Golden State had in the lineup at center with Jordan, there’s no comparison. Pachulia averaged 5.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. McGee averaged 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. Jordan Bell, David West, and Damian Jones all chipped in as well, but their contributions were negligible.

For the Clippers though, Jordan averaged 12 points and 15.2 boards per contest.

To put a big body down low – and take a little pressure off of Green to be the main rebounding/defensive presence – it would make this Warriors team even more formidable. Which should be a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.

However, there is the practical matter to consider – money.

Jordan left $24 million dollars on the table when he opted out of his deal with the Clippers. The Warriors might only be able to extend a mid-level deal, which would be a little more than $5 million dollars.

Which is obviously a massive haircut for one player to take. And it’s a ton less money than Dallas will be able to throw at him.

What Jordan is going to need to consider – and what the Warriors, if they’re genuinely interested in acquiring him should pitch to him – is that at 30-years old, going into his eleventh season, and having already earned more than $100 million dollars to this point in his career, his window to win a championship is starting to close.

With the way the league is moving, centers are already being devalued and marginalized, and perhaps sooner, rather than later, may go the way of the Dodo entirely.

If winning titles is important to Jordan at this stage of his career, he’s got a much better shot at winning some rings with Golden State than with Dallas, who finished last season 24-58 and well out of playoff contention – a status that doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon.

If Jordan wants to win titles, his best shot is to take less money and do it with the Warriors.

It’s a pitch that might not work, of course. But, who knows? It might. You just never know what a player will do, as they’re starting to see the twilight of their career looming, and begin to think about their legacy.

Next: Warriors Most Disrespected Champions in NBA History

There’s no question that adding a player like Jordan will upgrade Golden State’s rebounding and defense – the two perceived weak links in this otherwise extraordinary team.

All Bob Myers and Steve Kerr can do is pitch the idea. After that, it’s all up to Jordan. But, it’s probably better to take a shot and miss the target, than not take the shot at all.

Home/Golden State Warriors