And so ends the the Warriors' 2007-2008 season. It wasn't the way the team or the fans wanted it to turn out, but so goes the nature of the West. In the meantime, we have 6 months, instead of 5 1/2 months, to mull over contract extensions, draft picks, and free agents.
I'm taking a page out of Janny Hu's book and breaking down the scenarios for each Warrior (with some contract help via the Warriors forum on scout.com).
Kelenna Azubuike
Status: Restricted free agent
Contract: $2.0 - $2.3 million (projected)
Comments: Azubuike said that he will opt out this summer. He's played well enough to attract interest for teams who need a rebounding swingman off the bench and will pay part of the mid-level exception.
Matt Barnes
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Contract: $1.0 - $2.0 million (projected)
Comments: Barnes is a one-hit wonder, apparently. The Warriors probably won't try too hard to re-sign him, nor will he generate much interest from other teams.
Marco Belinelli
Status: Signed through 08-09; team options for 09-10 and 10-11
Contract: $1,446,720
Comments: Belinelli turned some heads with a string of good performances at the end of the season. His shot looks on-line again, especially compared to the beginning of the season when he couldn't hit the ocean. He still needs to improve on defense, however.
Andris Biedrins
Status: Restricted free agent
Contract: $9.0 million (projected)
Comments: Mullin declared Biedrins and Monta off-limits a couple of days ago, so that lessens any chance that other teams will lure him away. Hammering out an extension will be one of the top priorities this offseason.
Austin Croshere
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Contract: ?
Comments: I cannot find the terms of Croshere's 07-08 contract, so I'll hold off on projecting his value. His injuries won't help with any potential deals, though.
Baron Davis
Status: Player option for 08-09 season; can opt out
Contract: $17,180,000
Comments: No team in the NBA can afford to pay more than $17 million (even $17 million) if Baron decides to opt out. The present market will probably keep Baron in Oakland, but it's highly unlikely that Mullin will grant him the extension he wants. Baron has enormous trade value, so I'm guessing that Mullin will quietly call around for offers.
Monta Ellis
Status: Restricted free agent
Contract $9.0 million (projected)
Comments: Memphis and Philedelphia have shown interest in Monta, but Mullin already stated that he will not take offers. Again, working out an extension is a top priority.
Al Harrington
Status: Signed through 09-10
Contract: $9,226,250
Comments: Al had a rough year, despite dropping ten pounds last offseason. Mullin would have a difficult time if he wants to trade Al due to the large contract.
Stephen Jackson
Status: Signed through 09-10
Contract: $7,140,000
Comments: Mullin probably will hardball Jackson if he chooses to pursue a contract extension.
Patrick O'Bryant
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Contract: $2.0 million (projected)
Comments: O'Bryant most likely will not return, considering the wall between him and Nelson. It's too bad, because he showed flashes of being a serviceable center.
Kosta Perovic
Status: Signed through 08-09; teams options for 09-10 and 10-11
Contract: $1,800,000
Comments: The $5.0 million contract is a bit of a setback for the Warriors financially, especially since it hinders their ability to sign free agents.
Mickael Pietrus
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Contract: $3.0 - $4.0 million (projected)
Comments: Pietrus now says that he wants to stay with the Warriors, but I hope he doesn't expect a contract significantly larger than the one he received last summer. Perhaps Miami will give him part of the MLE?
CJ Watson
Status: Unrestricted free agent
Contract: NBA minimum (projected)
Comments: He hasn't played enough to generate much interest from other teams.
Brandan Wright
Status: Signed through 08-09; team options for 09-10 and 10-11
Contract: $2,497,320
Comments: Three words- keep this kid. The Warriors have two young big men capable of contending with the towers of the West in the near future.
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