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Warriors Lock Dunleavy

Golden State Warriors have announced the signing of small forward Mike Dunleavy to a multi-year contract. Apparently, the Warriors feel that Dunleavy is facing a breakout season, and they prefer to lock him now, instead of waiting for the summer by which time his price could be substantially higher. This was supposed to be a make or break season for Dunleavy. Now the often inconsistent Dunleavy doesn?t have to worry so much about proving himself, since he no longer has to play for a new contract.

Ever since assuming office as Golden State?s GM, Chris Mullin has made some horrendous personnel decisions when it comes to signing free agents. Mullin has a history of overpaying free agents, especially when it comes to resigning his own. Las summer he gave Adonal Foyle a $50 extension, while the often injured Troy Murphy got a $60 contract. To make matters worse, he gave Derek Fisher the full midlevel exception.

In a way, Dunleavy?s market value was set as a result of two free agents signings that took place this off-season. Both Tayshaun Prince and Bobby Simmons who also play small forward, were signed to a $47 million contract. It?s possible that Prince?s signing triggered Dunleavy?s new contract.