Former Thunder forward Dario Saric, who joined the team last season via a trade with the Phoenix Suns, is expected to join the Golden State Warriors in free agency, per Monte Poole of NBC Sports in the Bay Area.
Oklahoma City acquired Saric last season after offloading 2019 draftee Darius Bazley in Phoenix. OKC also acquired a future second-round selection in the trade. Bazley won’t be staying in his situation either, after he didn’t receive the qualifying offer on his deal from Phoenix.
Saric will now join the new-look Warriors, who are sure to be looking to make a splash in the 2023-24 regular season after winning the NBA Finals just over one year ago. The 29-year-old will slot in next to names like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul and potentially Draymond Green, contract talks permitting.
Saric was a surprisingly effective piece for the Thunder in his lone season. At 6-foot-10, he offered the team some much-needed size, and fit in like a glove due to his high-IQ play. In 20 games, he averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists in just shy of 14 minutes per game.
Saric’ exit created a much-needed roster spot for Oklahoma City, who just last week drafted Kentucky guard Cason Wallace 10th and Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson 50th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
With 2023 free agency and Summer League looming, the Thunder will be looking to officially finalize it’s roster for the upcoming season.
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