Warriors Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Free Agency
The streets of San Francisco may still be soaked in champagne following the Golden State Warriors' fourth NBA championship in eight years, but it's business time for the front office.
Free agency opens Thursday night, and it has work to do with several rotation players.
With rumors bouncing around the Bay Area, we're compiling the latest chatter here and determining whether it's rooted in fact or fiction.
Warriors Expected to Keep Kevon Looney
While the Warriors have often been connected to other centers and spent the No. 2 pick of the 2020 draft on one (James Wiseman), they also just won an NBA title with Kevon Looney holding down the starting 5 spot.
The 26-year-old may not have big numbers or a flashy game, but his understanding of the system and willingness to do the dirty work is apparently more than enough for Golden State to want him around—on a hefty pay raise, at that.
The Warriors are "expected to retain" Looney, per B/R's Jake Fischer, who added that it's believed he will receive a roughly $10 million annual salary over a multi-year deal.
Verdict: Fact. That's a fair number for a starting center, and Looney is more than capable of filling that spot until (if?) Wiseman is ready to assume that role.
Gary Payton II Could Be Pried Away with Full Mid-Level Exception
Gary Payton II found a home in Golden State this past season, as the dominant defender carved out a unique offensive niche by essentially functioning as a small-ball big.
However, that home could be temporary if outside suitors put the right money on the table.
"Golden State is hopeful to retain Gary Payton II, sources said, but a suitor that offers the full mid-level could pry him free," Fischer reported.
Verdict: Fact that the full mid-level would be enough to get the 29-year-old. Even the Warriors have spending limits. Saying that, the idea of Payton finding that much on the open market sounds incredibly optimistic, if not outright fictitious.
Otto Porter Jr. Is a Major Flight Risk
Plagued by injury problems, Otto Porter Jr. had to settle for minimum money last summer on what was essentially a prove-it pact.
But after suiting up 63 times—21 more than the previous two seasons combined—and proving generally reliable as a shooter and stopper, the 29-year-old should find much more lucrative offers this time around. If he does, that could signal the end of his brief tenure in the Bay.
"Otto Porter Jr. is expected to receive multiple offers for the taxpayer mid-level, putting his future with the Warriors in doubt," Fischer reported.
Verdict: Fact. A healthy Porter is worth more than the Warriors can realistically afford to pay him.