Warriors continue surprisingly busy offseason by David Murphy, Sunday, July 11, 2010
With little financial flexibility, the Golden State Warriors were expected to have a quiet, unproductive offseason.
Less than 2 weeks into free agency, the organization has been neither quiet nor unproductive.
Considered a long shot at best for any of the big name stars, the Warriors swung a surprising sign-and-trade for Knicks' All-Star David Lee and are close to inking unrestricted free agent Dorell Wright.
Both moves are obvious attempts to fix the team's greatest deficiencies: rebounding and defense. Basically, everything but scoring.
Lee was among the tops in the NBA in rebounding last season, ranking second in total defensive boards and fourth in rebounds per game. His experience in New York's uptempo offense, combined with a mentality to attack the glass, makes him someone who both fits a style while fixing a system.
Lee's deal is for 6 years and $80 million.
However, convincing marquee free agents to come to Oakland has been difficult for the Warriors in past offseasons.
This was not the case in signing Lee, who wanted to join the Warriors on the condition the best talent was still on the roster.
"I'm glad I found a great spot," Lee said on Friday. "I looked at the sign and trade, with Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins staying in Golden State, it was a great opportunity to have a significant core not only this year but for the future.
"The biggest thing was finding guys I would enjoy playing with and finding a place where I thought I could win."
Wright is expected to be GM Larry Riley's next acquisition, with a signing coming as soon as Monday.
Wright jumped straight to the NBA out of South Kent Prep High School (CT). In his sixth pro season with Miami Wright played a career high 72 games while averaging 7.1 points and 3.3 rebounds. The 6-9 small forward uses great length and quickness to harass opponents defensively.
With that defensive mindset, Wright fills the Warriors' vacancy at small forward, something Riley has been looking to address since parting ways with Corey Maggette.
"Both sides are liking the way the discussions are proceeding," said Wright's agent, Bob Meyers.
The deal is expected to be in the 3-year, $11.5 million range.
For a general manager likely to be let go when Golden State finds a new owner later this summer, Riley has been successful in upgrading a roster that was among the league's worst in every defensive and rebounding category.
That figures to change with the signing of Lee and Wright.
"I think (the signings) send a strong message that we can make moves and spend money to improve our basketball team," Riley said. "Regardless of the ownership situation."
