Warriors named landing spot for disappointing $33 million ex-Lakers point guard

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While the Golden State Warriors’ top free agent target is LeBron James, there’s no doubt that there are other assets that could land on the franchise’s radar.

Take Anfernee Simons, for example. The 27-year-old former Boston Celtics veteran guard was linked to the Dubs to begin Thursday. However, the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately signed Simons to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the revamped Eastern Conference squad (they traded Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks to the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown on Wednesday).

Given the Warriors are clearly looking to strengthen their guard depth this summer, it isn’t surprising that ESPN’s Bobby Marks named a disappointing former Los Angeles Lakers point guard as a potential target for the seven-time NBA champions.

“For the first time since the 2019-20 season, Golden State is projected to be under the luxury tax,” Marks wrote last Saturday. “Including the player options of Draymond Green, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and their 2026 first-round pick, the Warriors are $14.5 million under the tax, $22 million below the first apron, and $35 million under the second apron.”

“Because of the first apron hard cap, it is unlikely Golden State can use the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception and still have flexibility to remain under once the roster is filled out.”

“Team needs: Besides adding youth and athleticism, Golden State needs to identify a reserve point guard who can consistently penetrate the paint. Other needs include frontcourt help and a 3-and-D wing. Free agents who fit: LeBron James, Kristaps Porzingis already re-signed), De'Anthony Melton (already re-signed), Gabe Vincent (and several other assets who are currently unavailable).”

Vincent didn’t deliver the goods with the Lakers after serving as an unsung playoff hero for the Miami Heat in 2022-23 (his reliable shot-making as a role player helped the Heat advance to the NBA Finals as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Santa Barbara product never found his touch from beyond the arc and struggled to keep opponents out of the paint on the defensive end. The Lakers clearly grew weary of Vincent’s lack of impact, prompting them to trade before last year’s Feb. 5 deadline.

That said, the fact that Vincent has already shown he can be productive on the big stage could appear to a Warriors squad that doesn’t possess great second-unit guard options. If the 30-year-old returned his highly valuable ways with the Warriors in a hypothetical scenario, he could prove to be just what the franchise needs off the bench.

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