David West said he wants to play for a championship contender.
He already put his money where his mouth is by opting out with the Pacers and forgoing a guaranteed $12.6 million. He’s unlikely to recoup that money as a free agent.
But just how much is he willing to sacrifice?
The Warriors have the taxpayer mid-level exception ($3,376,000). Perhaps, they’d sign West and trade the similarly styled Marreese Speights ($3,815,000) to save a little money – savings that would be multiplied due to the luxury tax. Or they could keep both and have riches of big-men depth with Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli. That becomes more palatable if West will take a minimum contract.
The Spurs could look to West if they strike out on LaMarcus Aldridge. If they get Aldridge, they’d still have the room exception ($2,814,000), though that probably goes to Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili. Most likely, West would have to take a minimum contract.
If he wants to win a title, though, Golden State and San Antonio are excellent places to look.