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‘Hate the fit’… Superstar told not to sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 4:27 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are not the ideal landing spot for one coveted free agent, says Kevin O’Connor.

For whatever reason, the Golden State Warriors have made no moves during this offseason. In fact, as things stand, they are the only team not to make any trade or free agent signing.

Despite Draymond Green providing the blueprint to build around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have been inactive.

And the longer they wait, the more they have to address with this roster. After losing Kevon Looney in free agency to the Pelicans, the Warriors now have an even bigger gap at the center position.

What makes matters worse is that they won’t play ball with other teams. The Warriors refuse to sign-and-trade Jonathan Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings.

But now, things have gotten so bad that even actively available free agents are being discouraged from signing with them.

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Kevin O’Connor says Damian Lillard won’t fit with Golden State Warriors

Kevin O’Connor discussed on his show for Yahoo about where Damian Lillard will sign now that he is a free agent.

When discussing the rumors linking him to the Golden State Warriors, O’Connor immediately explained why that was a bad idea.

He reminded fans that Steve Kerr’s style of play is very much centered around Stephen Curry, and other players are required to do a lot.

That load would be too much for Lillard, who will be coming off an Achilles injury next season.

“He’s been connected to the Warriors. I’d hate the fit. Playing behind Stephen Curry.

“The way Steve Kerr uses Steph in actions… after you’ve suffered such a catastrophic injury, let’s get that load off of you. Let’s relax a little bit more after that. “

Damian Lillard urged to join Miami Heat or LA Lakers instead

O’Connor spoke further on his show about Damian Lillard’s future. He believes the Miami Heat or LA Lakers are far better suited for him. Specifically on the Lakers, O’Connor mentioned how much work Luka Doncic will do to set Lillard and other teammates up.

“I’d lean towards Miami or the Lakers. Luka can carry everything there, he can be the secondary guy behind him, potentially could compete for championships depending on what else they do.”

Lillard promised teams he’d bounce back to the same level once he recovers from his injuries. And on the Lakers, he could be an excellent guard alongside Luka Doncic.

However, given the Lakers’ salary cap restraints, it might be difficult to sign Lillard. However, Lillard could go to the Miami Heat, which was a destination he wanted to go to when he first demanded a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Wherever Lillard goes, he is going to have to wait to take the court, as he recovers from his serious Achilles injury.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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