The Golden State Warriors’ interest level in Davis Bertans is currently exploratory, as the workout suggests they are evaluating his fit with the team. Bringing Bertans in for a workout indicates the Warriors are considering him as a potential addition, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are committed to signing him yet. They are likely assessing his current form, shooting ability, and overall fit with their roster needs before making any decisions.
Dāvis Bertāns is currently on a two-year contract, initially signed as part of a five-year, $80 million deal with the Washington Wizards in 2020. After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the specifics of his contract for the 2023-2024 season include:
– **2023-2024 Season**: Bertāns is set to earn approximately $17 million. This portion of his contract is fully guaranteed.
– **2024-2025 Season**: Bertāns’ contract includes a partially guaranteed amount of $5 million out of a potential $16 million. If not waived by the Thunder, the remainder of this salary could become fully guaranteed depending on performance conditions and roster decisions.
Given the size and structure of his contract, any team interested in signing Bertāns, such as the Warriors, would need to carefully consider the financial implications, including potential luxury tax implications.
Dāvis Bertāns is known for his role as a sharpshooting forward, primarily excelling as a stretch four. Here are key aspects of his play style:
1. **Three-Point Shooting**: Bertāns is one of the league’s premier three-point specialists. Standing at 6’10”, he has a quick release and deep shooting range, making him a valuable floor spacer. His ability to shoot off the catch and occasionally off movement allows him to fit well in offensive schemes that prioritize perimeter shooting.
2. **Off-Ball Movement**: He is adept at moving without the ball, running off screens, and finding open spots on the perimeter. This movement makes him a constant threat beyond the arc, forcing defenders to stay close to him, which helps create spacing for his teammates.
3. **Limited Inside Scoring and Playmaking**: While his outside shooting is elite, Bertāns offers minimal offensive contributions inside the arc. He rarely drives to the basket or creates his own shot, and his playmaking is limited, often looking to pass quickly if his three-point shot isn’t available.
4. **Defensive Challenges**: Defensively, Bertāns is often considered a liability. His lack of lateral quickness and average defensive instincts make him a target for opposing teams, especially in switch-heavy schemes. He struggles against quicker players and stronger bigs, which can limit his minutes in high-stakes situations.
5. **Role Player Fit**: Bertāns thrives as a role player rather than a primary option. He fits well in lineups that need shooting and spacing, especially when paired with playmakers who can get him the ball in optimal shooting positions. His impact is most pronounced when he’s used in a defined role that plays to his strengths as a shooter.
Overall, Bertāns’ play style is highly specialized, focusing on perimeter shooting and spacing, which can be a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their offensive firepower from deep.