There may not be a perfect Golden State Warriors free agent target. The team has very little salary cap to work with, meaning landing a star player this offseason could be difficult. Most Warriors' free agency news has linked the team to some role players, but recent news of DeAndre Ayton’s buyout has opened up another intriguing option. Let’s look at the possibility of a DeAndre Ayton-Warriors free agency signing.
First of all, getting Ayton will be difficult for the Dubs. Even though Ayton is getting bought out of his giant contract, he will likely be looking for a decent paycheck in the free agency market. The Warriors don’t have a lot of money to offer.
One possibility for a DeAndre Ayton-Warriors free agency signing is for him to take a short-term pay cut to try and rehabilitate his value.
Ayton was once considered a young player with huge star potential. He was a key component of the Western Conference Champion Phoenix Suns in 2021. Since then, Ayton’s value around the league has tanked.
Ayton is now reportedly interested in joining a contending team. After two lackluster seasons in Portland, Ayton needs to get back into a competitive atmosphere.
The Warriors could be the perfect destination. They have a glaring hole at the starting center spot that Ayton would instantly fill. If Ayton were able to tap into his old rim-protecting ways, he would be an ideal fit on the Warriors roster.
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Would Ayton take a pay cut for a chance at being a key starter for a championship contender? The Warriors should certainly hope so. The upside of Ayton’s offensive skills and defensive potential is worth going after him. He should become one of the top Warriors' free agency targets.
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