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The Golden State Warriors need more offensive firepower if they expect to compete at the top of the Western Conference over the next couple of seasons, but a high-level scoring threat alongside Stephen Curry isn’t the team’s only need this offseason.
Golden State’s lack of size showed up against the Houston Rockets in Round 1 of the playoffs and again when squaring up with the Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 2. Both rebounding and interior defense were weaknesses for the Warriors in the playoffs, which the team is likely to look to address over the summer.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported last week that Golden State will be extremely “aggressive” in the free-agency and/or trade markets, though how much talent they can acquire is a topic for debate.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks could be available, and his relationship with Curry could help the Warriors in trade discussions for the two-time MVP. Their four first-round draft picks, plus multiple second-round picks and first-round swaps along with young assets like Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga will also play key roles in any potential deal.
But if Golden State can’t bag the Bucks big man, a free-agent option they might pursue is Stephen Adams of the Houston Rockets.
James Homer of Warriors Talk on Sunday, May 18, advised Golden State to take a hard look at Adams this offseason.
A familiar face to the Golden State Warriors, Adams has been on the receiving end of plenty of Curry-issued losses throughout his playoff career. However, it was rarely due to him being a detriment: While he’s not a spacer and has some issues hitting his free throws, Adams is an experienced veteran who provides true center size and power that the Dubs haven’t traditionally had. He profiles similarly to a more limited Andrew Bogut: A good screen setter and underrated passer who brings the right kind of toughness to a historically precision-focused Warriors team.
The 6’11, 265-pound center is likely going to be a coveted player for a lot of contenders due to his top-tier offensive rebounding acumen, in addition to good durability prior to injury that kept him out of the entire 2023-2024 season. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s the kind of player who has an impact on aspects of the game which aren’t as trackable by analytics.
Adams, who will play next season at 32 years old, is coming off of a two-year contract worth $25 million total in Houston.
