Warriors target Nene, Chandler

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The Warriors cant sign any free agents until Dec. 9, butthat doesnt mean their offseason plans arent coming into focus.According to several sources, the Warriors intend to secure a big man during the abbreviated free agent signing period. People with knowledge of the team's thinking have confirmed that Nene, Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan and, to a lesser degree, Marc Gasol are on the list.Whether or not the Warriors have the financial wherewithalto sign one of those players -- or any of those players have the desire to come toGolden State -- remains to be seen.The Warriors payroll currently sits at approximately 51million, about 7 million under the 58 million salary cap. If the team usesits amnesty provision on Charlie Bell, who makes 4.1 million in 2011-12, thenthe Warriors could be looking at roughly 11 million in cap room.Question is -- is that enough to lure Nene or Chandler?Answer: It might be close.Nene has been with the Nuggets for all of his nine-yearcareer. He led the league in field goal percentage last season (.615) andaveraged 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.Nene is not a natural center, and there should be concernshow well hell team with power forward David Lee. As for Chandler, hesconsidered one of the best defensive centers in the league, and helped theDallas Mavericks win a title a year ago.Chandler indicated earlier this week that hebelieves his days in Dallas might be over. Its likely that both Nene and Chandler will seek contractsin excess of 10 million per year, but the real issue for the Warriors iswhether each of those guys will be flirting with the 15-million range.If thats the case, the Warriors wouldnt be able to competefor either of their services -- without having to use their amnestyclause on either Lee or Andris Biedrins.The Warriors also have interest in Gasol, a restricted freeagent, but he seems like the longest shot of the group. Memphis has given everyindication that it will match any offer for Gasol.As for Jordan, he's the most likely acquisition of thefour, but he's also a notch below the others. Jordan averaged 7.1 points, 7.2rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for the Clippers last season.Warriors assistant general manager Bob Myers was formerlyJordans agent, fueling speculation that Golden State is interested. Jordan,23, is the youngest and least proven of the four.Hes also a restricted free agent, meaning the Clipperswould have the right to match any salary offered.

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