© Kelley L Cox | 2018 Dec 23
The Warriors have found new life with the addition of DeMarcus Cousins, but could there soon be another veteran center backing him up?
If Marcin Gortat has his way, the answer will be yes. Gortat, who was waived by the Clippers two weeks ago, is holding out to sign a contract with the Warriors, and even turned down an offer to join the Bucks, according to Polish news source Sportowe Fakty.
Via Sportowe Fakty (translated to English):
According to unofficial sources, Gortat in recent days has rejected bids from teams that count in the fight for the NBA championship. One of them was reportedly Milwaukee Bucks .
The Polish midshipman, who is currently at his home in Orlando, is interested only in the Warriors game. Apparently, a 35-year-old basketball player is even able to risk losing this season, if there is no proposal for a contract with this club. – I already have my years, but I feel really good physically and if I was my own agent, I would strongly recommend Golden State Warriors – he said recently in a conversation for “Przegląd Sportowy”.
Even with Cousins, the Warriors could certainly use another veteran center on their roster at a league-minimum deal. Kevon Looney is the only proven commodity behind Cousins at the center position, and he is a highly limited player who could be exposed in the wrong matchup come playoff time.
Gortat, 35, is certainly at the tail-end of his career, but has been a solid starter for the better part of the last eight seasons. Though he started 43 games with the Clippers this season, Gortat saw his playing time dwindle to just 16 minutes per game, averaging five points and 5.6 six rebounds. Gortat averaged 10 and 10 while playing 31 minutes per game for Washington two seasons ago.
The Warriors currently have an open roster spot that Gortat would fill if he were to be signed.