The Warriors have agreed to sign big man Nemanja Bjelica to a one-year, minimum contract, according to a source.
Bjelica, 33, is known as a floor-spacing big man who helps address Golden State’s need for depth at the position and someone who could play alongside Draymond Green in the frontcourt. At 6-foot-10, 234 pounds, he’s made 38.7% of his 3-pointers for his career.
But he’s coming off an underwhelming season that hurt his market value. He struggled with conditioning and back issues before being traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Miami Heat in March. He appeared in just 37 games for the season, and averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 31.8% from 3-point range.
If Bjelica can bounce back with Golden State, the Warriors will have one of the league’s best shooters at the center position and solid rebounder (6.4 rebounds per game two seasons ago) and facilitator (1.8 assists per game for his career).
Though he will come off the bench, he can play alongside centers James Wiseman and Kevon Looney, or in lineups that feature Green at center.
With Bjelica signing a minimum deal, the Warriors still have the full $5.9 million taxpayer mid-level exception available. The Warriors on Monday also agreed to terms with forward Otto Porter Jr. to a minimum contract.
