Taking a deep dive into the available free agent market to identify some candidates for the Warriors’ vacant roster spots

View in article format on Dub Nation HQ ([Part 1](https://dubnationhq.com/p/perks-predicts-free-agents-and-buyout) | [Part 2](https://dubnationhq.com/p/perks-predicts-how-will-the-warriors-c6a))

https://preview.redd.it/c21fz60rbakb1.png?width=1057&format=png&auto=webp&s=4811908b92bbfa970d28a3f7bc1ee1f8c8424a69

As we sit here in August deep in the doldrums of the NBA offseason with the rest of the league patiently awaiting the faith of those, *varyingly levels of disgruntled,* stars who’ve requested trades in the likes of Damian Lillard and James Harden; the free agent signings have become scarcer and scarcer as the pool of available talent has all but dried up.

The Warriors in the meantime have already made their big splash this summer in acquiring former Dubs-nemesis, Chis Paul; in addition to picking up two promising rookies through the draft (Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis) and two veteran supplements (Dario Šarić and Cory Joseph) through free agency to their retooled, veteran-minded roster.

However, they still have a few moves left to make as we look toward training camp and how they will complete their roster ahead of the season in October.

# Current Roster

​

[Perks’s Warriors Cap & Salary Spreadsheet](https://preview.redd.it/giqmidfubakb1.png?width=923&format=png&auto=webp&s=9ba9a4ba253072231911d791e247215fddca3ec9)

Taking inventory of the roster situation, the Warriors currently have 14 players under contract; made up of 13 standard guaranteed deals and 1 two-way contract. They additionally have 4 reported Exhibit 10 signings that have yet to be finalized as they are not allowed to sign those types of training camp deals until they have 14 standard deals (contracts without an Exhibit 9 attachment) on their roster.

Teams are allowed to roster up to 21 players in the off-season (up from 20 in the previous CBA) which will then have to be cut down to 15 players on standard deals (the 15-man roster) along with 3 additional two-way spots (up from 2 in the previous CBA).

The Warriors will be required to roster at least 14 players on standard deals heading into the regular season, but they are [expected](https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1682435876339744769) to keep that 15th spot on their roster open to start the season for financial reasons and added flexibility in both the buy-out market and any potential two-way conversions during the season.

## Off-Season Glossary

A **Two-Way** (‘TW’) contract is a non-standard contract that players with **less than 4 years of NBA service** (outside of special circumstances) **are allowed to sign**. Players on a TW deal split time between the NBA and G League and are allowed to be **active for up to 50 regular NBA season games** (they cannot play in the post-season including both play-in and play-off games). TW players can be converted to a standard one-year minimum deal at the team’s option or otherwise can exclusively negotiate a new contract with their team through an available exception (players on a TW, same as those on a standard deal, cannot negotiate with other teams while contracted). The TW salary which is 50% of the rookie minimum salary does not count against a team’s salary cap or is factored into luxury tax calculations.

**Exhibit 10** (‘E10’) is an attachment to a standard contract that gives the team the option to **convert that contract into a two-way deal** ahead of the regular season or if the player is waived, they can be **awarded a bonus** for subsequently choosing to then sign a contract in the G League (‘GL’) and **playing with that NBA team’s GL affiliate** for at least two months. It’s the main tool NBA teams use to fill out their GL rosters as it allows them to offer a salary that is at least somewhat competitive to the overseas market. GL players all receive a flat salary, which last year was $40.5k, and will likely see a small increase this season. The E10 allows teams to more than double that with a bonus of up to $75k for this upcoming season.

**Exhibit 9** (‘E9’) is another attachment to a standard contract that **protects a team in the case a player incurs an injury during the pre-season or training camp**. For example, if a player who signs a non-guaranteed one-year deal without the E9 were to suffer a season-ending injury during a pre-season game, the team would be on the hook for their entire salary even after waiving the player, regardless of their contract originally being non-guaranteed. The E9 attachment instead **limits that to just a $15k injury-related payout** when the contract is waived (up from $6k in the previous CBA). Generally, any players with a low chance of making a team’s opening night roster, including E10s, will have this attachment included in their contracts. However, teams are not allowed to sign a contract that includes an E9 with a player until they have 14 standard deals on their roster without it.

A ‘**buy-out**’ colloquially refers to when a player with a significant salary negotiates a release from their team where they give back a portion of their salary to their current team in order to facilitate their contractual release. The new CBA updated the rules regarding teams that are above the first tax apron, like the Warriors, signing players who have been bought out that season. **Teams passed the first apron are prohibited from signing any players who have been released or ‘bought out’ from their contracts with a salary over the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception of $12.4M.** Additionally, this rule only applies during the regular season and is not in effect during the off-season.

# 15-Man Roster Competition (14th Spot)

Ahead of the off-season, newly minted general manager Mike Dunleavy [expressed](https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1672125770851028997?lang=en) the need to add veterans in free agency; coveting size, shooting, and two-way play. There were clear areas on the roster in need of addressing including the backup center, backup wing, and third point guard spots. The Warriors have already addressed two of those areas so far signing versatile big-man Dario Šarić to supplement Kevon Looney, as well as nabbing well-traveled Cory Joseph to act as an understudy behind Steph Curry and Chris Paul.

In addition to those three areas, they seemed to quietly be on the hunt for some bench scoring this summer to fill the void left by Jordan Poole’s departure, but missed out on all of their reported targets with [Eric Gordon](https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1675588228886458368?s=20), [Shake Milton](https://t.co/d78WH4XLrH), and [Malik Beasley](https://t.co/4ADGwp7lju) all signing with other playoff teams. However, they re-signed the promising Lester Quiñones to a two-way deal following his eye-popping performance in Summer League and the [reporting](https://twitter.com/gswcba/status/1682457752319430656?s=20) around him seems to suggest that he is expected to receive significant consideration for the 14th spot and could be someone who could fill that bench-scoring void. Although it likely makes more sense from a team-control standpoint to start him on a two-way and then elevate him to the vacant 15th spot mid-season.

As they look to fill out what is essentially the last spot on their standard roster since they are expected to keep the 15th open, the one clear area of need would appear to be having a veteran wing behind Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga. Someone who could ideally play at both forward spots and offer some size and shooting akin to what NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. offered them a few seasons ago. Obviously, anyone they could get now won’t be in the pedigree of that kind of player, but as we set out to identify candidates, that’s the type of archetype worth keeping in mind. A professional, veteran wing, content with a limited bench role who can supplement their budding young rotation players and occasionally offer something off the bench here and there, ideally with a touch of scoring mixed in there.

While there has been some discussion among the fanbase about adding some more size to the roster, the messaging from the Warriors has been that they will look to address their frontcourt depth with a two-way spot so we will examine those candidates in Part 2.

*Before diving into the candidates, I just want to get out of the way the higher profile veteran free agents I’m omitting from consideration as I believe they will receive more favorable offers in both salary and role than the Warriors could offer and/or because they don’t fit the profile of player that would interest them otherwise: Christian Wood, Kelly Oubre Jr., Bismack Biyombo, Blake Griffin, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Jaylen Nowell, Terence Davis, and Kendrick Nunn.*

## Candidates

* **T.J. Warren** (SF, 29, 6’8): Of the players currently available in free agency, Warren is by far the most intriguing. He is still only 29 and offers a unique skill with his ability to score at all three levels in the body of a big wing. He could potentially help address some of the concerns around the Warriors’ lack of bench scoring, without them needing to sacrifice any more size. The biggest question mark for him is obviously his health. After missing essential two years of basketball, he only appeared in 42 games last season with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns posting his lowest minutes per game (16.4) since his rookie season. While his numbers across the board were down and he’ll never likely be close to the same player he once was, the Warriors have proven themselves to be a great rehabilitation spot for recovering players and Warren on a minimum deal, especially one not fully guaranteed, would be a risk worth taking a gamble on.
* **Terrence Ross** (SG, 32, 6’6): Another interesting wing-scoring option to take a look at would be experienced veteran Terrence Ross who has been a thorn in the side of many teams for years. The high-flier is not the same player he once was and wasn’t the effective addition the Phoenix Suns had hoped for last summer when they picked him up from Orlando on a buyout, but he did still post a 36.8% 3-ball along with a close to career-high 53.2% EFG. Ross leaves a lot to desire defensively now, but all things considered would be a very sensible addition for the Warriors as a playable veteran wing who can stretch the floor and offer them some needed bench scoring at times.
* **Juan Toscano-Anderson** (PF, 30, 6’6): Oakland’s own and Warriors fan favorite, Toscano-Anderson, was recently [named](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1689068243040755712?s=20) among a group of free agents the Warriors will be working out this month and it’s easy to see why they’re giving him a second look. JTA was well regarded as a player in Golden State and was someone who not only fit their playstyle perfectly, but fit their ethos as an organization. While he had his shortcomings as a player and never quite was able to put together a reliable outside shot, his versatility as a defender, able to defend from the point of attack as well as act as a roaming free safety while having the ability to play make and set his teammates off the short role, made him a very capable Draymond Green understudy for a few seasons before he decided to test his luck elsewhere. The Warriors could do much worse than returning a familiar face, who would be more than content in a bench role as the type of stay-ready guy willing to come in at a moment’s notice to put his [body on the line and make the right play](https://youtu.be/dBjss2kafBI). He would be the safest option for them to round out their roster if they don’t want to take a gamble on someone else and would likely accept a non-guaranteed deal.
* **Javonte Green** (PF, 30, 6’5): The undrafted late-bloomer spent multiple years overseas playing in Germany, Italy, and Spain before getting an opportunity with the Boston Celtics and eventually breaking out for the Chicago Bulls during the 2021-22 season where he started in 45 games for them. As an undersized wing, Green has carved out a role through his infectious energy and versatility defensively being able to guard multiple positions, along well as his high-flying athlecism. While his third year with the Bulls saw a significant reduction in his playing time as he struggled with a knee injury requiring surgery, a healthy Green would be an interesting option for the Warriors on a training camp invite as a capable 3&D wing with something to prove. [https://youtu.be/VbGh0GbGlQY](https://youtu.be/VbGh0GbGlQY)
* **Stanley Johnson** (PF, 27, 6’6): The former top-10 pick has found a difficult time establishing himself as a mainstay in the NBA going through 6 organizations already in his 8-year career, but the hunger inside him has been evident and he’s shown a willingness to fight for a place every stop on the way. While he’s still most well known for his defense on LeBron James as a rookie in the 2016 playoffs, Johnson has recently had very productive stints both with the San Antonio Spurs last season and the Los Angeles Lakers the year before. His eFG% has steadily improved each year these last three seasons and he’s continued to mature and show more poise as a player. His defensively versatile, along with his relentless motor and tenacity would make him a valuable high-energy wing at the end of their bench who can be brought in when they need a jolt and would be well worthy of a look on at least a training camp invite. [https://youtu.be/fQde7YSe6Lo](https://youtu.be/fQde7YSe6Lo)

**Honorable Mentions:** Danny Green, Will Barton, Rudy Gay\^, Justice Winslow, Hamidou Diallo, KZ Okpala, Michael Carter-Williams\*, Glenn Robinson III\*, Tony Snell\*, Louis King\*, Trey Burke\*, Kent Bazemore\*, Dion Waiters\*

**\^Rudy Gay**: The Warriors are among a number of other teams who reportedly expressed[ interest](https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumors-james-harden-trade-talks-joel-embiid-pj-tucker-rudy-gay-lakers-warriors-bucks/) in Gay after the Oklahoma City Thunder bought him out.

\***Michael Carter-Williams, Glenn Robinson III, Tony Snell, Louis King, Trey Burke, Kent Bazemore, Dion Waiters**: The Warriors have [brought](https://twitter.com/gswcba/status/1691523464908402689?s=20) in a number of veteran free agents for workouts this summer as they evaluate free agents to fill out their training camp roster.

## Potential Buyouts

* **Danilo Gallinari** (PF, 35, 6’10): The Washington Wizards currently have 16 players on guaranteed contracts and will need to waive or trade one of them to bring their roster into compliance. When Gallinari was thrown in as salary filler in the Kristaps Porziņģis trade, he seemed like an obvious candidate for that given his age and likely championship aspirations, however after early [reports](https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nba-free-agency-with-john-collins-trade-forwards-dominating-early-discussions-151510087.html) that a buyout was discussed, the noise on that has since [cooled](https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumors-james-harden-pascal-siakam-fred-vanvleet-jakob-poeltl-bruce-brown-donte-divincenzo-lakers-rockets/) and it seems increasing likely that he might actually begin the season in Washington. But if that does in fact change, and he were to become available, he would be far and away the best addition the Warriors could make among what’s left on the market. While there are significant health concerns given his previously suffered ACL injury, especially at his age, if he’s even a fraction of what he was two seasons ago in Atlanta, he could be the Warriors’ next successful rehabilitation story and a perfect fit on their roster as a big, floor-spacing wing well worthy of a flier on a minimum deal.
* **JaVale McGee** (C, 35, 7’0): After acquiring Richaun Holmes, drafting Dereck Lively II, and re-signing Dwight Powell, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves with a logjam at center and are [reportedly](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1694062596591137156?s=20) planning to stretch-and-waive McGee to reconfigure their roster construction. While the Warriors are likely more interested in adding a wing at this point and instead addressing their frontcourt depth at the two-way spots, when McGee hits the open market, given his previous experience in Golden State, it would be foolish to not at least throw out the possibility of a reunion. McGee could offer them some much-needed size both as a rim-deterrent and as a vertical lob threat. He’s familiar with their system and was someone who found a lot of success in it, rehabilitating his career in the Bay. Plus adding McGee would be an ode to the championship-era teams known for being stacked with a boatload of different playable big man Steve Kerr would plug and play on a need-basis.
* **Cedi Osman** (SF, 28, 6’7): The San Antonio Spurs have a loaded roster of 18 players on guaranteed contracts and will need to waive or trade three of them to bring their roster into compliance. While at this point it’s hard to pinpoint what direction they might go about doing so, one player who could potentially become available is Osman. The ex-Cavalier is someone the Warriors [explored](https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/3/21/22343488/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-kyle-lowry-lonzo-ball-john-collins) acquiring during the 2021 trade deadline and could once again make sense to take a look at if he were to hit the open market as a capable 3&D wing. Additionally, veterans Reggie Bullock or Doug McDermott might also find themselves on the chopping block in Texas whether alongside or in place of Osman, and would be worth consideration as well.

**Honorable Mentions:** Doug McDermott, Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans, Daniel Theis, Khem Birch, Victor Oladipo\*, Cam Payne

\***Victor Oladipo**: Warriors had a preliminary [interest](https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/3/8/22319031/nba-power-rankings-midseason-brooklyn-nets) in Oladipo during the 2021 trade deadline.

# Two-Way Roster Competition

After the emerging Lester Quinoñes accepted his qualifying offer to return to the Warriors on a two-way deal, they are left with two open two-way spots to fill, which they will likely do through a training camp competition like they did last season.

So far the Warriors have already added four training camp invites on Exhibit 10 deals, in two undrafted rookies and two Santa Cruz Warriors alumni, who while likely all be Santa Cruz bound for next season, but still figure to be factors in the two-way competition.

A quick couple of notes on them:

* **Kendric Davis** (PG, 24, 6’0): The undrafted guard out of Memphis had a memorable performance for the Warriors in Summer League showcasing his three-level scoring potential along with his budding half-court playmaking. However, the undersized, shifty scorer is an older prospect and probably not what the Warriors are looking for at this point, but he would be a solid addition for the Sea Dubs.
* **Javan Johnson** (SF, 24, 6’6): The DePaul product had a quiet Summer League numbers-wise, but it was easy to see what the Warriors like about him. He has great size and length for his position with a smooth shooting stroke and an ability to make an impact on the defensive end. While he projects to be more of a late-blooming 3&D development prospect, with a good training camp performance he’s a dark horse candidate for a two-way spot.
* **Jerome Robinson** (SG, 26, 6’5): The former NBA lottery pick has spent the last two seasons with the Sea Dubs where he’s carved out a role as a capable playmaking wing with a sweet jumper and some defensive chops. Well-regarded by the SCW coaching staff as a model professional, great leader, and respected mentor, he looks to try to fight his way back to the NBA and is definitely someone the Warriors would like to keep a part of their organization in some capacity.
* **Jayce Johnson** (C, 26, 7’0): Johnson has had quite the journey so far. After being undrafted out of Marquette, he spent two years overseas, and then entered the G League draft last year where Santa Cruz selected him in the second round. He barely made the team out of training camp, but would finish the season as their starting center and the G League’s leading rebounder. While he didn’t quite keep his momentum going in Summer League, there’s enough to like about him to bring him back to the Sea Dubs for a second year.

The Warriors have already [made it clear](https://twitter.com/gswcba/status/1678913731244470273?s=20) that one of the areas they’re looking to address on their roster using a two-way spot is center, so it’s likely they’ll be bringing in one or two big men to compete for it.

The other spot is kind of just up for grabs and will probably go to whatever player the Warriors feel either is the best value at the spot or presents some potential long-term upside they could develop in Santa Cruz.

## Candidates

* **Harry Giles III** (C, 25, 6’11): Giles has been out of the NBA for the past two seasons, but a new wrinkle regarding two-way deals added to the CBA at the petition of his friend Jayson Tatum, might be his pathway back to the league.\^ Before injuries forced him out of the NBA, Giles was starting to find a role in the league as a capable backup big. His playmaking ability at his position especially out of the high post and low block would make him a seamless fit in the Warriors’ offense and he fits the bill of exactly the type of older, experienced fringe rotation player the Warriors love to have available on a two-way with 142 NBA games already under his belt. The only questions here are regarding his health and whether or not he already has some sort of a handshake deal with the Boston Celtics for this type of contract given his connections there, but the fact that he is [working out](https://twitter.com/IanBegley/status/1687639788365504512) with teams including the Warriors would lead us to believe that he is very much exploring his options and would be an ideal addition for the Dubs. [https://youtu.be/srsgo6QlPTo](https://youtu.be/srsgo6QlPTo)
* **Usman Garuba** (C, 21, 6’8): A recent casualty of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s bloated roster, the Spaniard who is only two years removed from being a late first-round pick finds himself on the free agent market. In his short career so far, Garuba has struggled to carve out a role in the NBA. He spent years in the Euroleague developing with the prestigious Real Madrid and [molded](https://hoopshype.com/lists/usman-garuba-jalen-green-houston-rockets-spain-draymond-green/) his game after Warriors’ stalwart Draymond Green. While short for his position, much like Draymond, his size, strength, athleticism, and rangy wingspan more than makes up for his height. He’s a high-energy, hustle player who’s a versatile Swiss army knife defensively and has flashed some playmaking ability. Given his youth (two years younger than newly drafted Trayce Jackson-Davis), Garuba would be a very worthy low-risk, high-reward addition on a two-way that the Warriors could develop long-term as he learns behind the very man he modeled his playstyle after. [https://youtu.be/zRyMtnXjW6o](https://youtu.be/zRyMtnXjW6o)
* **Lamar Stevens** (PF, 26, 6’6): While Stevens is not a household name, among two-way eligible free agents, he is by far the best player available. He has spent the last three seasons in Cleveland developing into a versatile, defensive ace off the bench for them. While both his role and minutes have routinely fluctuated over the years, he continued to remain a reliable rotation player when called upon, ready to do all the unglamorous dirty work on the floor. Pressing defensively, setting screens, flying in for boards, making the right passing reads, etc. He’s exactly the type of gritty, hustling, ‘got-that-dog-in-him’ type of player the Warriors have found a lot of success with over the years such as Gary Payton II and Juan Toscano-Anderson. Stevens has a bevy of experience with 169 NBA games played including a playoff series and would be a seamless on-and-off-court fit. On a two-way deal, he would be an absolute steal and if he has better offers out there (the Celtics with two open 15-man roster spots have shown [interest](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1694140593209811230)), he would be even well worth a look at for the 14th roster spot. [https://youtu.be/Ov9Z0IdgMCo](https://youtu.be/Ov9Z0IdgMCo)
* **Duop Reath** (C, 27, 6’11): The Aussie big man out of LSU has been gradually making noise overseas over the last couple of seasons with stints across three continents in Serbia, Australia, China, and Lebanon earning him Summer League invites with the Portland Trail Blazers this year and Phoenix Suns last year. He’s a smooth scorer around the basket whose range extends out to the 3PT-line (36% on 591 career attempts) as well as being able to offer some things defensively. He’ll be stepping into a starting role with the Australian national team following an injury to Jock Landale, for those who will be following along with the FIBA World Cup, and should be someone to keep an eye on. Given his plethora of international experience, after Giles III, he would be the most sensible addition as a more veteran front-court depth piece to supplement Trayce Jackson-Davis over some of the younger two-way eligible free agents on the market. The biggest question with Reath would be if he’s willing to take the two-way salary to try his hand in the NBA over potentially more lucrative options internationally. [https://youtu.be/GA0xOo1FBDs](https://youtu.be/GA0xOo1FBDs)
* **D.J. Stewart Jr.** (SF, 24, 6’6): Stewart has been on my radar for a while now and is someone who really impressed me with a dominant, career-high 41-point performance against the Santa Cruz Warriors this past season. He’s a long, athletic rangy wing who’s shown the ability to be an explosive 3&D weapon with shot creation skill. In 40 games in the GL last year playing for Sioux Falls Skyforce he posted 21.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.2spg on 48.9% FG and 34.6% 3PT. He’s spent the past two seasons with two of the most well-regarded organizations in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat; and while on the older side for a prospect, he has the exact type of skillset that is worth taking a training camp flier on for a two-way deal in case he pops. [https://youtu.be/reYsXb8cywQ](https://youtu.be/reYsXb8cywQ)

**Honorable Mentions:** Tyrese Martin, Vernon Carey Jr., Jordan Schakel, Justin Minaya, Mamadi Diakite, Quenton Jackson, Xavier Sneed, TyTy Washington Jr., Vit Krejci, RJ Hampton, Xavier Moon\*

\***Xavier Moon**: The Warriors [brought](https://twitter.com/gswcba/status/1691523464908402689?s=20) in Moon for a workout this month as they evaluate free-agent candidates to fill their training camp roster.

\^Dubbed the [‘](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10081102-nba-intel-latest-on-kyrie-irving-free-agency-meetings-kyle-kuzmas-top-suitor-more)[**Harry Giles Rule**](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10081102-nba-intel-latest-on-kyrie-irving-free-agency-meetings-kyle-kuzmas-top-suitor-more)**’** any player who missed a whole season through injury while under contract and was credited with a year of service for it would not have those years of service counted towards their two-way eligibility. So Giles who missed the entirety of his rookie season is now still two-way eligible despite having accrued 4 years of service. Another player in the same situation, Dylan Windler, has already benefited from this rule signing a two-way deal with the New York Knicks last month.

## Potential Roster-Cut Casualties

* **Aaron Wiggins** (SF, 24, 6’6): The Oklahoma City Thunder sit at a league-high 18 standard contracts and will have to move on from three players ahead of the regular season in order to bring their roster into compliance. There will be some tough decisions for them to make and while it’s not clear yet who that group of players could be, if Wiggins does end up being a part of it, expect plenty of teams to jump at a chance to grab him. The unheralded, undrafted wing has very quietly carved out a role in a crowded Thunder team as a capable, swiss army knife rotation player. His efficiency last season across the board (.512/.393/.831), albeit in a limited role, is quite noteworthy, and he has shown the ability to impact the game in multiple ways with his defensive versatility, relentless hustle, and well-rounded offensive game. While he may find himself on the chopping block in OKC, he would be a hot commodity on the open market well worthy of two-way consideration or even a potential look at the 14th roster spot. [https://youtu.be/Wn3C3kzvpcQ](https://youtu.be/Wn3C3kzvpcQ)
* **Jeremiah Robinson-Earl** (C, 22, 6’9): Moving onto our second potential Thunder casualty, while the current market for two-way bigs is quite limited, Robinson-Earl could be an interesting name to become available. JRE was a mainstay in the Thunder’s rotation the past two seasons appearing in 92 games, 56 of which he started. He’s been well-regarded as a capable backup big whose game isn’t super flashy, but he plays the right way and gets the job done. He has shown the ability to step out behind the arc knocking down 34.4% of his career 276 threes along with impacting the glass and making the right plays offensively with the ball in his hands. With the Thunder quite loaded in the frontcourt, Robinson-Earl is very likely to be available and would be a solid addition as a two-way to shore up the frontcourt depth for the Warriors as a capable and experienced pickup. [https://youtu.be/H2siFmb-arA](https://youtu.be/H2siFmb-arA)
* **Xavier Tillman Sr.** (PF, 24, 6’8): The Memphis Grizzlies are currently rostering 17 players on guaranteed contracts and will have to move on from two players to bring their roster into compliance. While it is more than likely those two players will be the guys who arrived to them this offseason in salary dumps (Isaiah Todd and Josh Christopher), given how loaded they are in the frontcourt, it’s not out of the question the Memphis might choose to hold onto Christopher and make Tillman available. Warriors fans likely remember Tillman for playing a significant role on the Memphis team that defeated the Dubs in the 2021 Play-In Tournament. The Michigan State product is a gritty, high-energy glue guy. A capable scorer around the rim with the ability to make a difference defensively. With 173 games of NBA experience in addition to 18 playoff games, if the Grizzlies were to move on from him, the Warriors would be very shrewd to bring him in. [https://youtu.be/K8AfmNN\_MbI](https://youtu.be/K8AfmNN_MbI)

**Honorable Mentions:** Xavier Cooks\*, Jack White, Anthony Gil, Isaiah Todd, Josh Christopher, Tre Mann, Jason Preston, Kobi Simmons

\***Xavier Cooks**: Cooks played for the Warriors during the 2018 Summer League.

—

## Perks’s Final Roster Spot Predictions

**14th Man:** Juan Toscano-Anderson *(Non-Guaranteed)*

**15th Man:** *N/A*

**Two-Way:** Lester Quiñones

**Two-Way:** Harry Giles III

**Two-Way:** Javan Johnson

Although there are still some interesting free-agent options out there, unless someone in the vein of Danilo Gallinari were to become available, I believe the Warriors will play it safe and go for Juan Toscano-Anderson. He is a veteran, proven in their system, who would accept a reserve role and shore up their wing depth. He would also likely be available for a non-guaranteed deal to give them some roster optionality during the season (maybe with a partial guarantee stipulation in there if he makes the opening night roster).

As tantalizing as the prospect of Garuba is, Giles III would be the right move for them at a two-way spot as a guy who really fits their system and would offer a capable, experienced option off the bench. Given their limited frontcourt depth and penchant for not only playing their two-ways, but being a great free-agent rehabilitation spot, the Warriors should be near the top of Giles’s preferred landing spots.

It’s hard to predict how the Warriors will utilize that third two-way spot since this is the first season they have it available, but you’d assume with Quiñones rostered and a potential Giles III addition, they’ll just try to take a high-upside player they can develop in Santa Cruz. As amazing as an addition someone like Lamar Stevens or Aaron Wiggins (if he became available would be), those guys will likely see better offers and opportunities elsewhere. Johnson as a developmental 3&D prospect could be an interesting choice for them if he shows more in the training camp than he did in Summer League.

Also keep an eye out for the Warriors potentially snagging another team’s training camp cut during the preseason for a potential two-way addition as well, like they did two seasons ago when they nabbed Jeff Dowtin Jr. from Orlando. Some names to consider in that regard: Cole Swider, Joe Wieskamp, Buddy Boeheim, Stanley Umude, Jeenathan Williams, Matthew Mayer, Caleb Daniels, and Caleb McConnell.

What are your thoughts? Any players that weren’t mentioned here you think the Warriors should take a look at for a training camp invite?

by Perksofthesewalls