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2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

By Daniel Rowell

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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) grabs a rebound behind Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) grabs a rebound behind Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Golden State Warriors

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Golden State Warriors won 73 regular season games last season, the most in the history of the NBA. They also lost in the NBA Finals in 7 games by a series point differential of -4. The Warriors won’t have quite the same look as last year. Festus Ezeli and Harrison Barnes are restricted free agents, and rumors are circulating that they could be looking to trade Andrew Bogut.

The big target for the Warriors is obviously Kevin Durant, but I just can’t see Durant making the move to Oakland after losing to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals when he was up 3-1. The Warriors lost to the Cavaliers on a poor shooting performance and a failure to score at the rim/win rebounds. To get back to the Finals, they don’t need Durant, they need a center like… Al Horford.

Horford is one of the best defensive centers in the league. He provides rim protection and rebounding while also fitting into the Warriors needs for mobile/switch defense and outside shooting. Trading Bogut and signing Horford would give the Warriors the edge to get back to the Finals and compete for a title for a third straight year.

Next: Houston Rockets

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