Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum (Photo : Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors could be the sleepers to land Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum, two of the top free agents available in the market.
The Warriors will be "very aggressive" in pursuing free agents this summer after the team's shocking collapse in the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
OKC Thunder Kevin Durant and long-time Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki top the Warriors list, but other free agents could also be under the team's radar. But while the Warriors are expected focus on luring Durant and Nowitzki, Fox Sports' Dieter Kurtenbach believes Golden State could land the likes of Howard and Batum as they try to fill the need at the center and small forward positions.
Kurtenbach listed Howard to likely end up in Dallas and Batum remaining with the Charlotte Hornets. But if both players do not sign with these teams, the Warriors could be the second favorite to land Batum and Howard.
Howard, who opted out of his four-year $87.5 million with the Rockets to explore free agency, would be an interesting addition for the Warriors, whose need for another defensive big man was exposed during the Finals.
Despite his history of injuries, the 30-year-old Howard is still capable of putting up good numbers, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Last season, the former three-time Defensive player of the Year averaged 13.7 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. But it was partly because of the lack of touches, with James Harden running the team's offense.
While playing for the Warriors would not guarantee a starting role for Howard, he could still flourish in the team's type of offense and would be the rebounding force they need off the bench.
On the other hand, Batum, who is known for his versatility and all-around game, would seamlessly fit with the Warriors brand of basketball.
After struggling in his last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Batum bounced back in his stint with the Hornets, posting 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists. A can-do-all forward, who can be very lethal in a small-ball lineup, would be a nice addition for a Warriors team who have a list of their own nifty players in Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green.
Harrison Barnes, a restricted free agent, is expected to receive lucrative offers from many teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Warriors have been adamant about matching any offers to retain Barnes, a huge offer from a team like the Lakers would put them in a difficult situation, with Golden State only having a projected salary cap space of $12.7 million. Batum can be a major upgrade over Barnes, although the cap space situation would also make it hard for the Warriors to sign the Frenchman.
Likewise, it would prove difficult for GSW to sign Howard, who is expected to seek a max contract this summer. But if winning a championship is the priority for both players, the Warriors could lure Batum and Howard to take less money for a shot at an NBA championship.
