The Warriors Are Targeting Dirk: What's It Mean?

Just one day after a crushing defeat in game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Warriors have wasted no time in beginning offseason prep.

Tim Kawakami first reported Monday afternoon that one free agent target the Dubs had “circled” as a top priority was none other than 38 year old German sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki. It's safe to say that no other team had the 7’1 power forward/center at the top of their wish list, as he has spent his entire career with the Mavericks, going as far as to say “there's no reason for me to go anywhere”. Even though he opted out of the final year of his contract, all indications are this was to allow for contract restructuring; over the last three years he has made well under his market value at just $10 million per year. Interestingly enough, in 2013 (his last bout through free agency), Dirk reportedly “refused to engage in talks with interested teams”, including the Rockets and Lakers, showing clear desire to complete his career in Dallas, even if a rebuilding effort was to be begun.

Clearly the Warriors believe they have a lot more to offer than past unsuccessful suitors. Kawakami's report suggests Dirk would be enticed by the promise of contending for another ring, playing alongside two-time MVP Steph Curry, and bringing a title back to the Bay. Signing Dirk would be one of the biggest splashes that could be made this offseason, almost as surprising as wresting LeBron James or Kevin Durant from their respective franchises. Not only would inking Nowitzki be unexpected, it'd be somewhat of an entitled move on the part of the  Warriors, believing their “culture, chemistry, and talent” outweigh any organizational loyalty that exists between Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson, and the aging star.

To be fair, this challenge of the status quo brazen offseason attack is exactly the mentality the Theo Epstein-led Red Sox used to sign Curt Schilling, the top arm on the market who had all but agreed to terms with the Yankees (I feel old).

But this latest report from the Bay feels off. It leaves the impression the Warriors have been, to use an old phrase, reading their own press clippings. For all that has been written regarding the Dubs culture and team chemistry, it isn't hard to imagine a scenario in which these traits have gone to the collective head of Warriors execs. To them, no player may seem out of reach, for who wouldn't want to play for such a franchise where every player is optimized and weaponized to their fullest potential? - or so says Sports Illustrated. If Dirk is within reach, what's to prevent them from reaching out to other “franchise” players? Perhaps Dwyane Wade or Tim Duncan could be the next priority, sacrificing loyalty and branding for faceless asset addition. Maybe I'm overthinking this whole dynamic, but it feels inherently wrong somehow. Get it together, Warriors.

http://www.mercurynews.com/tim-kawakami/ci_30038146/kawakami-run-nowitzki-makes-sense-warriors