NBA Off Season Update, Part 4: Pacific Division

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February 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) listens to head coach Steve Kerr (right) during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 128-114. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Off Season Update-Pacific Division

Golden Stare Warriors

ROOKIES:

Kevon Looney selected 30th in first round

FREE AGENTS SIGNED:

Draymond Green – 5 years, $82M
Leandro Barbosa – 1 year, $2.5M
Brandon Rush exercises his player option
Marreese Speights (team exercised option)

Draymond Green has overcome the odds his entire life, going from a chubby kid from a small Michigan town to Bi… http://t.co/kMD7DKH64u

— NBA Updates (@NBA_Updates) July 9, 2015

TRADED TO WARRIORS:

FREE AGENTS LOST:

Justin Holiday

Unsigned:

Ognjen Kuzmic

TRADED FROM WARRIORS:

David Lee

BIG MOVE:

SIGNED: Draymond Green initially called off talks when the sides weren’t on the same page. We can assume he either wanted more money, more years or both. Initial reports were Tristan Thompson had signed a 5 year, $80 M deal, but those talks aren’t just stalled, they are mired in quick sand. Regardless, given these reports it’s fair to assume Green and his people used Thompson’s numbers as justification for what he should receive since he delivers on so many more areas of the court. In the end the Warriors and Green settled on 5 years at $85M.

Bottom line the Warriors are the Champions so small tweaks were all that was needed and to retain key players; Golden State accomplished both goals. While I anticipate another solid season from the Warriors it’s also a given every team in the Association will be amped to play them this season. Factor in the Warriors were extremely lucky on the health front last season and I don’t expect them to repeat as Western Conference top seeds. They’ll be in the upper echelon but the improved Spurs, Rockets, Thunder and Clipper squads will all be vying to make sure they don’t finish as the top seed.

Next: Doc Teaches Chemistry Class