The Golden State Warriors only have so many years remaining as contenders in the Western Conference. With the Warriors dealing with an injury to Stephen Curry during the second round of the NBA Playoffs last year, it’s possible that they could still believe they’re contenders and may look to make a blockbuster trade or signing during the offseason.Â
When searching for options for the Warriors, Bleacher Report recently linked them to Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, who will be a free agent. It’s possible that Turner will return to the Pacers, but after a dreadful Finals series, there’s no guarantee he will.Â
“Figuring out Turner’s potential fit in Golden State is easy. The Warriors obviously feel a stretch 5 can help maximize their roster, and they’d presumably prefer one without as many defensive deficiencies as Quinten Post,” he wrote. “Turner would be all-caps AWESOME on this team. Coach Steve Kerr might coax even more three-point splashes out of the big fella.”
âThe challenge would be getting Turner to Golden State, as the Warriors don’t have the flexibility to sign him outright. If he decides he wants to join the Dubs, though, maybe there’s a sign-and-trade agreement to be worked out involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga,â Zach Buckley of BR wrote.
Retaining Turner a âPriorityâ for Pacers
While the Indiana Pacers have stated in the past that they want to keep Turner in Indiana, the Golden State Warriors will have to hope that his Finals showing will turn them off.Â
According to head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers are still hopeful to re-sign him, adding that itâs their top priority. For the Warriors, that isnât ideal news.Â
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the franchise, at this particular moment, that that is the No. 1 priority,” Carlisle said, per The Athletic.Â
“I don’t know anything about money or numbers or years, or any of that kind of stuff, but Myles is a very important part of what we’ve done here, what we’ve been doing. He’s a very important part of the history of the franchise, certainly over the last decade. I know that will be a big topic. I’m not privy to every little conversation going on there, but Myles is a very important part of what we’re doing. That will be a big thing.”
Warriors Will Look to Be Aggressive This Offseason
According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the Golden State Warriors are expected to add some size during the offseason. Monte Poole said that the smart money suggests that general manager Mike Dunleavy will attempt to make a big move this summer, emphasizing the importance of competing in the Western Conference.Â
âThe smart money also says Dunleavy will go big. Big names are a longshot, but big men are now essential to compete at the upper levels of the Western Conference.
âAnd then there is the free-agent market, which Dunleavy says is the most likely route to a plug-and-play veteran in accordance with a core â Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Butler â that will average 36.3 years of age when camp opens in September,â he wrote.
Turner isn’t just a big body who can hit open shots, but he also defends the rim at a very high level. While he isn’t a Nikola Jokic stopper or anything, he’d be a great fit for the Warriors and the way they move the basketball.Â
Heâd also be an excellent fit defensively.
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