6'11″ center identified as top free agent target for cash-strapped Warriors

The Golden State Warriors will once again enter free agency with little financial wiggle room, forcing them to target specific areas of need with near-minimum money.

One position they could focus on is greater player depth, with the franchise still having no player taller than 6'10″ on the roster after James Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons over 15 years ago. month.

The Warriors have exciting young center Trayce Jackson-Davis and veteran big man Kevon Looney, but there is suspicion they might need another option during a long season.

According to Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, Orlando Magic big man Goga Bitadze should be Golden State's top priority in free agency, assuming he can be obtained on a cheap contract.

“We hope that Bitadze's limited floor time (15.4 minutes) has limited his numbers enough that front offices will ignore him, or at least not make him a priority target. If he could be drafted on a liquidation contract, he could become a rotation regular on the Warriors next season.”

– Zach Buckley

Bitadze averaged 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 15.4 minutes this season. It was arguably his most notable year in the league to date, although he was out of the Magic's playoff rotation behind Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Wagner while Jonathan Isaac also saw minutes as that center.

The 6'11″ big man has benefited from 33 starts this season in Carter's absence, proving capable as an NBA rotation player who focuses on rebounding and interior defense. Bitadze's impact has was such that Carter briefly engaged in trade discussions before returning to his starting role.

The Georgian wouldn't be the worst option as a big body to fortify the front court, but he certainly shouldn't be at the top of the Warriors' wish list in free agency. The franchise should prioritize a big player who offers something different to Jackson-Davis and Looney — Bitadze has shot the ball occasionally from three, but is only 24.5 percent on attempt per match throughout his career.