Riley: W's roster will be ‘nearly same'

OAKLAND -- In his first public statements since the NBAslockout ended, Warriors general manager Larry Riley made it pretty clear thatany kind of blockbuster free-agent signing or impact trade probably wonthappen.Not before the start of the season, anyway, on Dec.25.Riley seemed to shoot down any possibility that the teamwill use the new collective bargaining agreements amnesty provision to waiveeither David Lee or Andris Biedrins, two of the teams big-moneyplayers.Are we active? Of course we are, said Riley, in his firstappearance with the media since the 149-day lockout ended Saturday. (AssistantGM) Bob Myers right now is in Los Angeles, having discussions with agents,which we are allowed to do.RELATED: Sources say Warriors targeting Nene, Chandler, other big men
That relates primarily to the free-agent market. Imconstantly on the phone, talking to other teams and the possibilities aboutmaking adjustments to the roster. Whats the likelihood the roster will be nearthe same with some additions on opening day? Very likely.That statement would seem to indicate the Warriors will keeptheir core of Stephen Curry-Monta Ellis-David Lee together. Taking it a stepfurther, it sounds as if the Warriors will use their amnesty clause on guardCharlie Bell, who is set to make 4 million in 2011-12. By waiving Bell, theWarriors could be roughly 10 or 11 million under the cap.That might allow them into the Tyson Chandler and Neneneighborhood, but then again, maybe not. Its possible both of those playerscould earn a salary starting at closer to 15 million.If the Warriors were to get into that more expensive neighborhood,it would require them to amnesty Lee or Biedrinshighly unlikely unless theWarriors had some kind of commitment from either player.In addition, thats a lot of money to spend on Chandler orNene, considering neither has ever been an NBA All-Star or All-NBA first-,second-, or third-team performer.