It looked as though the Warriors were in for some major changes at the start of free agency but things have been fairly quiet since, and the Damian Lillard trade holdup in Portland may be why.
The only move the Dubs have made since re-signing Draymond Green on a four-year $100 million extension is signing backup point Cory Joseph.
But the 2022 champs have been linked to veteran big man Dario Saric since before free agency started.
Lord knows the franchise is in need of some size, since they are the only team in the league without a player above 6’9”.
Despite rumors circulating, Saric is yet to ink a deal with Golden State and Lillard’s holdup on potentially signing with Miami could be part of the issue, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer says.
“It was evident during exit interviews with Heat players, sources said, that Miami was preparing its books for a roster-altering transaction,” Fischer said. “The Heat have told free-agent players like Malik Beasley, who agreed to a one-year contract with Milwaukee on Monday, that Miami is in a holding pattern before moving forward with its veteran-minimum signings, sources said. Other players like Josh Christopher, recently traded from Houston to Memphis, and Dario Šarić, who had a strong suitor in Golden State, could also be involved with Miami depending on these Lillard proceedings, sources said.”
Judging by Fischer’s insight, it seems Golden State may not be Saric’s first choice if he’s waiting to see what happens with Dame.
Maybe the Heat can offer him more capital or just a longer term deal as the Warriors remain limited with what they can provide, given the contracts they already hold.
If Steve Kerr’s team did pull off signing Saric, it will add a versatility to the roster’s offense that has been lacking since Otto Porter Jr. left.
The Croatian native is 6’10” and is a smart passer with good awareness.
In 57 games last year for the Suns and OKC, the big man shot an impressive 36 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three.
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