The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors are already the best 3-point shooting team in the league, but they could be adding another shooter in free agency.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that former Los Angeles Lakers wing Nick Young is a "serious candidate" to join the Warriors.
A serious candidate for a portion of Golden State's $5.2M exception, per ESPN sources: Free agent guard Nick Young.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2017
Young's eligible for part or all of Warriors' $5.2M exception, if he's willing to pass on more lucrative mid-level exception opportunities. https://t.co/uBZFabge1M
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2017
Related: Warriors get to keep their super team with latest reported agreement
TNT reporter David Aldridge said there is mutual interest between Young and the Warriors, but he could opt to go somewhere such as New Orleans for more playing time, more money, and more shots.
Interest between Warriors and @NickSwagyPYoung is mutual, real. Dubs' intel is positive & they see role for him. But, others still in play.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 2, 2017
As @wojespn reports, Nick Young considering Warriors. Chance at a ring big to him; teams like Pels have more playing time/shots to offer.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 2, 2017
Young shot 40 percent from 3-point range last season, and he averaged 13.2 points per game in 60 games for the Lakers.
If Young signed with a team like the Pelicans, he'd likely be a starter and would get far more opportunities to score. But if he wants to win a championship and doesn't mind a limited role for a year or two, then an opportunity with the Warriors would be beneficial for both sides.
The Warriors have great shooting in their starting lineup, but their current bench unit lacks in perimeter shooting. Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala help the team in plenty of other ways, but they both struggle with perimeter shooting.
Young also has some familiarity with the Warriors' system. His head coach with the Lakers last season, Luke Walton, was a Warriors assistant prior to taking over in LA.
The 32-year-old Young has played for four teams in his 10-year career, including the Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Washington Wizards.
(h/t Bleacher Report)
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