Report: Warriors will keep Shaun Livingston, which creates other questions
This is a smart move by the Warriors
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
The Warriors are trying to balance a lot of things heading into free agency. There's a widespread feeling that the bench will be reconfigured, whether Kevin Durant hops on board or not. Steve Kerr said as much in his podcast with Tim Kawakami last week. To make room for Durant, or to keep Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli if they don't get Durant, they may have to make some tough decisions.
One decision they won't be making, however, is to let go of Shaun Livingston as backup point guard, according to Marc Spears at the Undefeated:
Also, sources say Golden State intends to keep Shaun Livingston on its books for next season. The Warriors could save a full $2.7 million if they release Livingston by Thursday, but sources confirmed Tuesday that the club is definitely keeping the veteran point guard, who will thus earn a guaranteed $5.7 million next season.
Source: Philadelphia 76ers to make serious push for Harrison Barnes.
This is a smart move, even if it limits their options. Livingston being able to come in and provide a complete change of pace from Steph Curry as well as fit in with starters when Curry rests is huge for their success. His length and defense helps anchor the second unit, and at $5.7 million, he's playing for essentially the mid-level exception next year in a time when backup point guards are going for almost twice as much on the market. This could lead to other tough choices, though.
Will the Warriors be able to retain Andrew Bogut? If they do retain Ezeli, how much does this lock up their long-term flexibility? Will Andre Iguodala return as such a pivotal member of the 73-win team that lost after going up 3-1 in the NBA Finals?
The Warriors have a lot of questions that need answering in the next 20 days, but it appears that one key question about Livingston has already been answered.
