The Golden State Warriors gave their mid-level exception to DeMarcus Cousins, adding another superstar to an already potent lineup.
They had been targeting Tyreke Evans for that mid-level exception beforehand, but now it’s going to have to be a minimum contract if Evans joins the Warriors.
According to an interview his brother gave on ESPN Radio in Memphis, Evans had meetings scheduled today with the Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Charlotte Hornets.
Evans’ brother also said during that same interview that the team would accept a last-minute interview with the Memphis Grizzlies if the Grizzlies reached out to try to retain Evans.
Evans met last night with the Oklahoma City Thunder, so he is thoroughly exploring his options before making any final decision.
It’s basically going to take Evans prioritizing winning a championship above all else for the Warriors to have a chance at him.
It’s important to note that having a smaller role on the Warriors compared to what he’d do on other teams would suppress his market value going forward.
He’s only going to be 29 next season, and he might want a chance to fully showcase his skills and make more money in the long run.
Championships are a nice incentive, though, and the Warriors look even more daunting as a team after the Cousins acquisition.
It’s possible that Evans will choose the Warriors, but it’s going to take him sacrificing a lot of money and playing time.
The Cousins thing might change this situation beyond just the amount of money that the Warriors could offer Evans, though.
That starting lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Cousins might just be too historic for any player to pass up.
Evans would have to take a reserve role, but that lineup could be unprecedentedly dominant, which is a pretty solid selling point for joining this Warriors squad.