The Golden State Warriors have bolstered their roster with wing players this offseason, but they might still need another. One of the remaining free agents they could consider is Lamar Stevens.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report highlighted why the Warriors might be interested in Stevens.
“The Golden State Warriors could add him as an end-of-bench wing, especially if they need to trade a few 2s and 3s in a deal for a second option like Lauri Markkanen,” Bailey wrote on July 11. Bailey also discussed Stevens’ defensive value.
“Lamar Stevens is 6’6”, versatile on defense, and has posted above-average defensive estimated plus-minus scores in the last two seasons.
“If he can become an average outside shooter, he could be a solid rotation player.”
Stevens split the 2023-24 season between the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. After being traded to the Grizzlies, he had the best season of his career, averaging 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks. Although Stevens is a career 28.6% shooter from three, his strong defense and improved scoring might benefit the Warriors.
HoopsHype ranked Stevens as the 65th-best free agent available, while Bailey ranked him 25th. HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina and Raul Barrington noted Stevens’ strengths and areas for improvement.
“A solid slasher at power forward with good athleticism. Needs to develop his outside shot more.”
Despite Stevens’ impressive stint with the Grizzlies, his availability suggests a limited market. However, his performance might entice the Warriors to take a chance on him.
The Warriors have a history of successfully developing wings like Stevens. In 2021, they added Gary Payton II, who contributed significantly to their 2022 NBA championship win despite not improving his shooting. Payton’s defense made him a valuable rotation player and earned him a pay raise.
Adding Stevens could seem redundant with Payton on the roster, but if the Warriors believe Stevens offers similar skills, they could use Payton’s contract in a trade. Payton is set to make $9.1 million for the 2024-25 season, and acquiring Stevens might help facilitate a trade by matching salaries.