Warriors: 1 free agent signing to make, 1 free agent to avoid

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 19: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during an NBA basketball game at Wells Fargo Center on April 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 107-96. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands at the line to shoot a foul shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The Warriors need to sign an impact free agent despite their lack of cap space. That puts a ton of pressure on Golden State’s front office.

Golden State’s 2020-21 campaign effectively ended when Klay Thompson suffered a season-ending injury before the regular season ever began. Steph Curry did his best to drag the overmatched roster to the playoffs, but even his heroic efforts proved unsuccessful in the end.

Thompson may or may not come back and provide the team positive value this season. No matter what, the Warriors are going to end up being one of the most expensive teams in NBA history due to the massive contracts owed to him, Curry, and Draymond Green.

In other words, Golden State will only have small exceptions and minimum contracts to work with this summer. Big-name free agents aren’t arriving in the Bay. Instead, Bob Myers and his staff need to focus on potential bargain signings.

The Warriors should take a flyer in Malik Monk

Golden State needs to find a way to manufacture scoring off the bench when Curry needs a blow. Rolling the dice on a talented, but wildly inconsistent scorer like Monk makes a lot of sense for the Warriors. If, as expected, the Hornets decline to make him a qualifying offer, Golden State should swoop him to offer him a fully guaranteed deal at the minimum.

Monk’s weaknesses as a player are obvious. He’s struggled to stay healthy during his time as a pro and off the court issues continue to dog the former Kentucky star. There’s a reason why Charlotte appears ready to give up on him.

On the other hand, he still shot over 40 percent from 3 last year off the bench for the Hornets. The Warriors could clearly benefit from that kind of floor stretching in a variety of their lineups. Throw in his ability to create his own shot off the bounce and it’s easy to see how a move to Golden State could jump-start his career and pay off handsomely for the Warriors.

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