Warriors Free Agency: Shaun Livingston 'the most logical casualty' this offseason
The Golden State Warriors, the reigning NBA champions, risk losing Shaun Livingston in free agency this offseason, according to a new report. Though the Warriors and Livingston have mutual interest to sign a new deal, the veteran point guard could struggle to turn down lucrative offers that he will likely receive starting July 1.
Besides Livingston, the Warriors have to contend with expiring contracts of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant (Player Option), Andre Iguodala, Zaza Pachulia, David West, Javale McGee, Ian Clark and Matt Barnes.
While Curry is expected to sign a five-year contract in excess of US$200 million (AU$262 million), Durant, who will decline his 2017-18 Player Option worth US$27 million (AU$33 million), is reportedly willing to take a pay cut so the Warriors can bring back the entire core. If Durant were to sign a five-year max contract, his first year salary of approximately US$35 million (AU$46 million) would force the Warriors to renounce several players to clear cap room.
Warriors free agency: Has Patrick McCaw made Livingston expendable?
According to ESPN insider Micah Adams, Livingston is "the most obvious casualty" due to Patrick McCaw's impressive rookie season. McCaw is expected to garner more playing time in his second year as the second unit point guard and back-up to Curry.
"Livingston is the most logical casualty even though he just played very well in the Finals, where he shot 53 percent, played respectable defense and turned it over just once in 75 minutes. He's the perfect stabilizing force off the bench.
"But at some point, the Warriors have to start developing young talent, such as Patrick McCaw, who has similar size and talent. Livingston probably has enough left in the tank to secure a bigger deal elsewhere, and unlike Iguodala, who made more in the last three years than Livingston has in his career, he might not feel he has the flexibility to turn down money," Adams wrote in an insider article published Thursday.
Shaun Livingston free agency: Veteran PG could get lucrative offers
Unlike Iguodala, Livingston has never received a lucrative contract during his 12-year, injury-ridden NBA career. In fact, the 31-year-old has made only US$40 million (AU$52 million) through his career as compared to Iguodala who has reeked in excess of US$100 million (AU$131 million) during his time in the league.
According to ESPN insider Amin Elhassan, Livingston would struggle to turn down a fat contract in free agency. "Unlike Iguodala, Livingston never signed a big money deal, due to the awful knee injury that derailed much of the early part of his career. This next contract he signs might pay him more than he's made combined in the first 13 years of his career, and there's a big chance that offer comes from somewhere other than Golden State."
Besides Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, the likes of Kyle Lowry, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Gordon Hayward will also become unrestricted free agents when 2017 NBA Free Agency commences in July. The Warriors will also be in the market for other veteran free agents who would sign for the mid-level exception. Stay tuned for the latest news and rumblings on the impending Warriors free agency.
