Looking at the roster for next year, and there are some holes that we're all aware of. We've got too many guards, not enough size or defense on the wings, not enough shooting, and some real spacing issues with our best players trying to share the floor. The good news is we'll get Dejounte Murray back, we've got several young guys that show a lot of promise, we're still a solid team in a wide open west, and we should be able to build for the future without having to go full into a full on tank job. So looking at the roster for next year:
Guards
Dejounte Murray
Derrick White
Patty Mills
Lonnie Walker
Bryn Forbes
Marco Belinelli
Wings
DeMar Derozan
Rudy Gay (expected to resign)
Keldon Johnson
Stretch 4s
Davis Bertans
Luka Samanic
Bigs
Lamarcus Aldridge
Jakob Poeltl
Free Agents
Rudy Gay (already included in next year's roster)
Dante Cunningham
Quincy Pondexter
Chimezie Metu
Donatas Montiejunas
Drew Eubanks (two way contract)
Ben Moore (two way contract)
-Of the guys that aren't on contract for next year, Rudy is the only one that I feel confident that he'll be back. Maybe Metu if PATFO thinks they still see some upside in him, but he still won't really factor into the big team's plans for next season regardless. Montiejunas could potentially be brought back as the 3rd big, but grand scheme of things won't really matter. No clue what will happen with Eubanks or Moore, and Pondexter and Cunningham I expect to be gone.
-In theory, Samanic and Keldon Johnson both fill the biggest holes on our roster. A big that can switch on the perimeter and stretch the floor offensively, and a 3 and D wing. However, they're both 19 and regardless if they spend next season in Europe in Austin, they're probably not ready to really contribute to the big team yet (although I could see Johnson actually carving out a nice backup role if he picks up defensive rotations).
-We have to sign a big wing defender that can switch on the perimeter, guard small ball 4s, and knock down spot up 3s at a decent rate. Someone that doesn't have to have the ball in their hands and can play next to Derozan and Lamarcus. Rudy Gay filled this role nicely last season, but he's also gotta play the 3 some and we need another strong body in there. Bertans isn't quick enough to be a SF and gets bullied down low by 4s. Denver really exposed Davis in the playoffs this year.
-We need a 3rd true big man to eat up regular season minutes. Aldridge can play the 4 or the 5 (mostly the 5 as he ages and the leagues gets more guard oriented), Poeltl was a very solid defender and rebounder for us last season, just need some insurance. Montiejunas could be brought back for this role, maybe Metu if he bulked up.
-Guard is the one spot we don't need any outside help at and the improvement here will come from getting guys back from injury and player development. Murray, White, and Walker are the future at the position and you don't want to take minutes away from those guys. Forbes is also young and has carved out a really nice role for himself and his offensive ability will keep him in the rotation. That leaves a real conundrum with Patty and Marco. They're both solid vets with good shooting ability and next to no defense. Patty's contract will make him really hard to move, but Belinelli has a friendly expiring contract that could be moved to clear up some cap space and Bryn Forbes value is probably at an all time with his ability to shoot and super cheap contract.
Possible free agent targets:
-Bojan Bogdonavich: put up really good numbers for Indiana last season, shoots really well from 3, not a great defender but not the worst either. Probably gonna cost too much without moving some guys around. Maybe a sign and trade if he's determined not to go back to the Pacers?
-Al Farouq Aminu: really good defender and rebounder, has developed a respectable enough 3 point shot, would do the dirty work, and could definetly be had in our price range of the MLE. Has a questionable motor at times.
-Marcus Morris: defends multiple spots, rebounds, solid shooter out to 3, had a really good year for Boston so could potentially cost more than we'd like to give him, and has a little bit of crazy in him. Would fit in really nicely, but also may be Stephen Jackson 2.0.
-Thaddeus Young: high energy player, rebounds, finishes around the rim, defends multiple positions, good locker room presence, but not a great 3 point shooter. May cost more than we can afford.
-Trevor Ariza: he's been the prototypical 3 and D wing for years now, but he's about to turn 34. He still averaged 12+ points, 5+ boards, 3+ assists, 1+ steals last season, and is a career 35% from 3. Likely going to be wanted by other contenders/playoff teams.
-JaMychal Green: big and athletic on D, solid rebounder, shot 40% on over 2 attempts from 3 last season, and should be relatively cheap. He might be the sweet spot on value and fit.
