The Warriors had to do some re-tooling of their roster this off-season once Kevin Durant broke Twitter by announcing he would sign with the defending western conference champs and 73 win Warriors on Independence Day.
After dealing Andrew Bogut to the Mavericks to clear space, the Warriors were in need of a veteran center and for cheap, so they nagged former Mavericks, Bucks and Hawks center and post game speech legend Zaza Pachulia.
Pachulia signed with the Warriors for a paltry $2.9 million this by current NBA contract standards in order to have a chance to start for one of the better teams the NBA has ever seen.
He has averaged 5.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 18.8 minutes per game and has played better after struggling to start the season.
Apparently money is of a little concern to the 14-year veteran as Pachulia is absolutely loving playing in the Bay Area and wants to be back with the Warriors next season even with their likely inability to pay him much more than the veteran’s minimum.
Here is what he told the San Fransisco Chronicle on Monday:
“I don’t want the season to end,” said Pachulia, who is expected to return soon from a right rotator-cuff strain that has sidelined him for Golden State’s past three games. “When people ask me about (free agency) this summer, I say, ‘I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here.’ Even after June, I’m staying here.”
Bringing back Pachulia in his minor role could be beneficial for the Warriors even though they need a younger body who can run the floor and protect the paint better.
Once they give Steph Curry a max contract this summer it will be interesting if they are able to re-sign two of their most pivotal and undervalued role players in Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston who can command much more in the open market.
