Free agent center Zaza Pachulia has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors, according to USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick.
His teammate, Stephen Curry, tweeted seconds after his return was announced through Priority Sports.
Despite being the starting center, Pachulia only played 18.1 minutes per game during the regular season and even less in the postseason, serving as a size-lineup opener — averaging 6.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
The 7-footer was efficient during his short stint on the court, shooting 53.4 percent from the floor and 77.8 percent from the stripe through 70 games.
The Warriors now only have the veteran’s minimum of $2.3 million to offer for their 15th roster spot, one that could still potentially go to JaVale McGee.
Even with a 20 percent raise from last season, it wouldn’t equal the new CBA-approved minimum salary, making McGee's return still a viable possibility, according to Anthony Slater of the San Jose Mercury News.
Golden State now has a 14-man roster, including 11 returnees and three new additions (Omri Casspi, Nick Young and rookie Jordan Bell).
There's no guarantee the Warriors will have a use for the 15th roster spot, but if they do, it'll likely be on a center, according to president Bob Myers.
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