![\"Minnesota](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_5300,h_2981\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/41\/01jwj8y3khyr6rgaxbnv.jpg\")
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With a veteran trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors will likely take a short-term, win-now approach to what they do in free agency this offseason.<\/p>\n
The Warriors must also have an eye to the future though, particularly with a specific Brandin Podziemski issue that means they should probably avoid one of the more prominent free agents this offseason.<\/p>\n
After falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have now turned their attention to the offseason and some key roster decisions ahead.<\/p>\n
One of those surrounds the future of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, with speculation that the Timberwolves may not be able to re-sign the guard given they’ll likely also have decisions to make on Julius Randle and Naz Reid (both have player options).<\/p>\n
Golden State have been listed as the third betting favorite by Bovada to sign Alexander-Walker away from Minnesota this summer, sitting only behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets as suitors for the 26-year-old.<\/p>\n
But given Mat Issa of Forbes predicts Alexander-Walker to make between $14-24 million per year on his next contract, the Warriors would probably need a sign-and-trade rather than being able to sign him outright.<\/p>\n
Is it great use of Golden State’s money though to pay Alexander-Walker $15+ million per season on a three or four-year deal? While still contracted for another two years, Golden State should already be looking somewhat ahead to Podziemski’s extension-eligibility going into the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n
If Podziemski continues and grows on the production from his first two seasons, early evaluations would suggest he’s in line for at least $20 million per year on his next contract. Would the Warriors want to be paying Podziemski and Alexander-Walker big money in 2027-28, along with Stephen Curry who could presumably extend his deal at a near max number.<\/p>\n
Perhaps this is just too far into the future to really plan for, but with the new CBA limitations of the first and second tax aprons, it’s very much worth a consideration when examining whether Alexander-Walker should be a target this offseason.<\/p>\n
If Golden State have $15-$25 million to spend in a sign-and-trade offseason, they’d be far better served looking at a front court player and most likely a new starting center. If they then wish for another backup guard, targeting former Warrior De’Anthony Melton or another option on a minimum contract would be the best use of their cap.<\/p>\n
Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season with the Timberwolves, shooting 43.8% from the floor and 38.1% from 3-point range.<\/p>\n With a veteran trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors will likely take a short-term, win-now approach to what they do<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":66149,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-66148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"\n