Why David West returning means so much for Warriors

Share

With David West agreeing to return to the Warriors for what is expected to be his last season, the reigning NBA champions are one player away from accomplishing their primary roster goal.

Andre Iguodala is all that remains, and if he decides to come back the Warriors will be content to scour the NBA clearance aisle to fill out their roster -- much as they did last summer after reaching agreement with Kevin Durant.

The Warriors entered free agency Friday night with three veteran non-starters as a priority. Shaun Livingston accepted terms in the first hour of free agency, and West decided Saturday morning that he also is ready to return.

The agreement between West and the Warriors was first reported by TNT and then confirmed by NBC SportsBayArea.com.

The Warriors now have 10 players who are either under contract or set to sign when the league moratorium ends on Thursday: Jordan Bell (will sign) Stephen Curry (will sign), Durant (will sign), Draymond Green (under contract), Damian Jones (under contract), Livingston (will sign), Kevon Looney (under contract) Pat McCaw (under contract) Klay Thompson (under contract) and West.

Neither JaVale McGee nor Zaza Pachulia is likely to return, and the same applies to Matt Barnes, Ian Clark and James Michael McAdoo.

Bringing back West is significant for several reasons. One, he remains a highly effective big man, a terrific passer with a reliable midrange jump shot. Two, he is a highly respected player who has the ear of Green, who benefits from the presence of veteran with the gravitas of West. Three, by coming back on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum ($2.32 million) West gives the Warriors -- who will hit the luxury-tax threshold -- maximum bang for the buck.

Coach Steve Kerr frequently refers to two players as the “adults in the room,” and those players are Iguodala and West.

West, who turns 37 in August, already has decided to return, which answers the salient question of whether he wanted play another year or retire.

Iguodala, 33, has met with several other teams and will make his decision once those meetings have concluded.

The Warriors remain the front-runner, and would retain their core should they come to terms with Iguodala.

Contact Us