So what's going on in the world of free agency and how does it affect the Warriors?
Darko Milicic
The signing of Rashard Lewis to that ridiculous contract has made Darko expendable by the Magic as they've pulled their initial qualifying offer off the table. Apparently he's on Don Nelson's list of big men to pursue this year. I've never really been impressed with him and I think people are still caught up on his potential. If the Warriors were to sign him, he'll only be blocking the development of Brandan Wright (if he's still on the team) and we'll certainly have to overpay for an average big man. I think he'll play better in Nellie's system than in Orlando, but depending on his contract, I don't think it's worth the risk especially if it's 4-5 year deal.
If the Kevin Garnett talks stall again, or if Mullin and Nelson conjure ideas of a KG/Darko front line, Milicic could be a big Warriors factor.
Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus
Both players are being pursued by the Miami Heat. Dallas is also reportedly in the mix for Barnes. I would like to keep both around at the right price starting with Barnes and then Pietrus for a little cheaper. We'll probably only be able to keep one at most. Losing both will kill our depth, but I have confidence that Mullin can find someone to fill in.
Kevin Garnett
Guess who's entered (again) into the KG sweepstakes? Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks are after the superstar.
KG could really swing the balance of power in the Western Conference. He's rumored to be going to the Mavs, Suns, Lakers, or Warriors. If either of these teams pick him up, they'll instantly become legit contenders to knock San Antonio from their throne.
Kosta Perovic
In non-free agent news, the Warriors are about to bring Kosta Coast over to the NBA.
"It was his full objective to get to Golden State," said Duffy, who wouldn't go into specifics but described Pervoic's contract as being "pretty creative" and "well north of a conventional second-round contract."
"Some of those individuals have publicly said to their people, 'We don't care about you, or your needs'," Kapicic said.
"It is a shameful attitude to our nation. "We are in a situation that, almost, players could easily say, 'Well... if I don't go with my girlfriend to the movie, I think I'll be available for the national team'. That's a huge impact on our state, on our sport, on single thing that was holy for us all these years ."
I find the girlfriend analogy funny and also confusing, not sure how it applies here. Anyways, I can understand the anger the Kapicic has towards the players leaving the national team. Outside of the USA, when your best players are not playing for your country, it's going to hit you hard. It's not clear why Kosta can't play in the NBA and on the national team, but it's clear he's looking out for #1, himself first.
Luxury Tax?
Are the Warriors really willing to exceed the salary cap and pay the luxury tax that goes along with it? According to President Robert Rowell, the team is willing to exceed the cap.
This brings up all kinds of possibilities. I'll have to see it to believe it, but if the Warriors are willing to exceed the cap, then signing GWallace, Biedrins, and Monta could be a possibility. Hmmm...