The Warriors have addressed their need for an experienced perimeter player by agreeing to a deal with forward Otto Porter Jr., a league source confirmed to the Bay Area News Group.
Porter, who turned down other more lucrative offers to join Golden State, will sign a veteran minimum contract worth $2.4 million. Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes was first to report the news.
Porter averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 44.1% overall and 40% from 3-point range in 25 games with the Chicago Bulls last season before getting traded to the Orlando Magic in March. The eight-year NBA veteran is known as a reliable floor spacer and defender.
At 6-foot-8, Porter should be able to play multiple roles for the Warriors. It’s easy to project Porter completing a small-ball lineup with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.
This is an important addition for a Warriors team with a stated need for experienced perimeter players. With Kent Bazemore departing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kelly Oubre Jr. unlikely to return, the Warriors needed to add a proven presence even after selecting two wings — Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody — in Thursday’s draft.
The fact that Porter comes to Golden State on a minimum contract is significant and means the front office still has the full $5.9 million mid-level exception to use on another free agent. Other team needs include backup point guard and a floor-spacing big man.
The third overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Georgetown, Porter played for the Washington Wizards for six seasons before stints with the Bulls and Magic.
