Report: Top Free-Agent Power Forward in Contact with Warriors

Golden State could pivot to this player if the LeBron James plan falls through

Steve Kerr | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Golden State Warriors are waiting on LeBron James' decision before they use any part of their mid-level exception.

But if James signs elsewhere, Rui Hachimura could be a solid consolation prize.

The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Hachimura's representation "has been in contact with" with the Warriors and Timberwolves.

Spotrac lists James as a power forward, but I'm considering him more of 3 who can play the 4. Not including James, the top free-agent power forwards are Hachimura and Draymond Green.

Signing Hachimura Would Require MLE

Outside of James, Jalen Duren (restricted), James Harden and Peyton Watson (restricted), one could argue that Hachimura is the best remaining free agent regardless of position.

He's shot over 40 percent from downtown in three straight seasons, and in that span his overall field-goal percentage has been 52.1.

There's no doubt that he's worth at least some of a team's non-taxpayer mid-level exception (worth a a maximum of $15 million), but with teams' cap space drying up, he might have to settle for a taxpayer mid-level exception contract of $6.1 million.

That's the maximum that the Timberwolves can offer him.

The Warriors might choose not to beat that offer. If they miss on James, they might instead offer Green a starting salary that doesn't allow them to use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Hachimura Might Not Be a Good Fit with the Warriors

If the Warriors re-sign Green, they will have three players who are best suited to play power forward in Green, Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos. Due to injuries, both Santos and Lendeborg will play some small forward this season, but over the long term, they should settle in as power forwards.

If the Warriors sign Hachmiura, they will have a glut of power forwards.

Hachimura is likely looking for the biggest contract offer from a team that has contention chances. Whether it's the Wolves or someone else, my guess is he will sign for at least the taxpayer mid-level exception with a team that has more of a need at power forward than the Warriors do.