Warriors: 3 potential free agent reserve point guards

3. The Warriors could target Shabazz Napier

The free-agent market is thin on potential point guard options for the Warriors, and Shabazz Napier is arguably one of the best options available.

Admittedly, the Warriors might be better served to see what Ky Bowman can do as the leader of the second unit if both Michael Carter-Williams and Brandon Knight are not available.

However, if they want to make a marginal upgrade, then going with the journeyman guard could be on the table.

Napier has racked up the frequent flyer miles in recent seasons. In the last 12 months, the University of Connecticut product has been with the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards.

He was not with the Nuggets or the Warriors long enough to even put on a uniform. However, the Warriors may want to circle back on the point guard.

Despite the recent spate of transactions, the 28-year-old has strung together a nice season, especially given the rough circumstances that come with moving around so frequently.

In 51 games, including 30 starts, Napier posted 10.3 PPG, 5 APG, and 1.3 SPG while shooting 41 percent from the field and being worth 1.9 win shares.

This does come with a less-than-ideal 32 percent clip from beyond the arc. With that being said, Livingston was never a great three-point shooter as evidenced by his 18 percent career mark.

Napier would not be asked to heave up shots from half-court. Rather, he would be asked to be run the floor for the second unit.

Given that the veteran guard made $1.9 million in the 2019-2020 season, he fits within the Warriors budget.

The question is, does the addition of Napier represent a major upgrade to Bowman? That remains to be seen, but that needs to be considered since Golden State is likely to exceed the luxury tax again next season.

The free-agent options at point guard are not great, but there are a few players who could conceivably fit the Warriors roster. They expect to draft within the first five picks in October, and though backup point guard is a need, that would be beneath the value of the pick.

In addition to this, the Warriors hold a $17.2 million traded player exception (TPE) that they can use to reel in an impact player. More than likely, it will not be a point guard, but that option is on the table.

Now that the Warriors season is officially over, the can start to prepare and reload for next season.

One of the needs include a Livingston replacement, and several players will be available on the free-agent market or they could get creative on the trade market as well.