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Mason Plumlee Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Three free-agent targets for the Golden State Warriors

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 6/28/23

The Golden State Warriors and first-year general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons during the team's dynastic era.

Golden State's payroll for the 2023-24 NBA season is $181 million, per Spotrac. Given the team's cap situation, its options in free agency will be limited, but here are three potential candidates:

Draymond Green, forward

The No. 1 priority for the front office is to retain the former Defensive Player of the Year.

"If Draymond isn't back, we're not a championship contender," head coach Steve Kerr told the media during his exit interview.

Last season, the 33-year-old averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds and put up 1.8 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. He has been the defensive anchor throughout his tenure with Golden State and proved last season that he's still a stellar defender.

In Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings, Green had one of the most dominant defensive performances of his career:

Draymond Green Defensive Highlights (Game 4) pic.twitter.com/Cfaa7L9FTD
— Charlie (@PlayoffDray) April 24, 2023

Mason Plumlee, center

Chris Paul's addition and a guard-heavy roster allows the front office to focus on improving the frontcourt. On a minimum deal, the 33-year-old Plumlee would be the perfect fit for Golden State's system and culture. Plumlee averaged a career-high 10.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists and shot 68 percent from the field. He also played really well for the Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs after being traded at the deadline by the Charlotte Hornets.

Golden State hasn't had two centers consistently in its rotation in many years. In 2022-23, that proved to be a vital weakness and something that must be addressed this offseason.

Outside of Plumlee, other interesting big-man fits are Dwight Powell, Kevin Love and Brook Lopez (long shot).

Yuta Watanabe, forward

You really can never have enough shooting, especially for Golden State, whose offense prioritizes keeping all five involved.

Watanabe flashed potential, but he was never able to find a consistent spot in Brooklyn's rotation. Last season he averaged just 16 minutes and 5.6 points per game, though he shot 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Highest Corner 3P% (min 50 attempts)

1. Steph Curry—60.0%
2. Mike Conley—56.9%
3. MPJ—53.9%
4. Tyus Jones—52.9%
5. Georges Niang—52.6%
6. Desmond Bane—51.6%
6. Spencer Dinwiddie—51.6%
8. Yuta Watanabe—51.4%
9. Damion Lee—51.0%
.
.
.
182. Tre Jones—24.5%
183. Killian Hayes—23.7% pic.twitter.com/lY8i9IGBUB
— NBA University (@NBA_University) June 24, 2023

The Warriors bench already has good defense (Gary Payton II and Moses Moody), athleticism (Jonathan Kuminga) and playmaking (CP3), but it's missing that sharpshooter and big man to put it all together.
Watanabe's size (6-foot-8, 216 pounds) also allows him to be quite versatile on the floor and a good rebounder for his position. Per 36 minutes, he averages 6.7 rebounds for his career.

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