While the NBA recently concluded the 2019-2020 season in Orlando, for the Golden State Warriors and its fans the start of their season is just around the corner. The future of Golden State will be impacted on the night of November 18th, when the Warriors will make a decision with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft in selecting one of the top prospects or choosing to trade the selection for additional assets. But draft night is just one piece of the puzzle. 

Though a set date has not been announced, NBA free agency is on the horizon as well, and it’s an opportunity for the Warriors to add instant impact players to return to contender status. A healthy Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green bring Golden State back as a threat in the Western Conference, but free agency will provide depth to the roster that can put them over the top. 

With the taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal, Golden State can get strategic in their free agency options should they please. After spotlighting three potential targets for the Warriors, here are additional free agent players that Bob Myers and company could have an eye on as NBA free agency draws closer.  

Dream Scenario: Marc Gasol

Golden State has utilized a committee at the center position in the past few seasons and ultimately were able to afford such a tactic with the amount of star talent they boasted in the starting lineup. No matter what they choose to do in the draft, the Warriors could sign an experienced veteran at the center position that fits perfectly in their system: Marc Gasol. 

At 35 years old the Warriors would not be signing the Defensive Player of the Year of before, but despite his age, Gasol brings the type of skills that Steve Kerr would love to have in Golden State. Gasol averaged 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and shot 38% percent from deep, displaying his knack for stretching the floor. He’s also a skilled passer for a big man, which could allow Kerr to leverage him running plays from the high post. 

Marc Gasol’s own interests could be the ultimate factor, as it's rumored he may be eyeing a return to playing in Spain, but in this signing, Golden State could have an Andrew Bogut-type of player at the five spot, someone who can make the right pass when needed, potentially stretch the floor, and with an experienced defensive IQ, someone that Kerr can have confidence in matching up against Anthony Davis and the Lakers. 

Strategic Signing: Joe Harris

The 6-6 wing of the Brooklyn Nets is one of the best shooters in the league, and GM Sean Marks has made it known that it’s a high priority for the team to re-sign Joe Harris. But with Kevin Durant returning from injury, alongside Kyrie Irving and under a new coaching staff led by Steve Nash, the future is all but certain. With the departure of Kenny Atkinson, it’s clear that any changes can happen, even at the expense of the foundational pieces of the Nets’ resurgence. Could Joe Harris be the next departure? 

If that proves to be true, then Golden State would be smart in looking to add him to the roster. The 29-year-old made $7.7 million last season and Brooklyn owns his Bird Rights, but if the minutes get too crowded with the Nets roster, could Harris want more of a significant role with a contender? 

With the Warriors, he could get that role and potentially more. Despite having the greatest shooting backcourt the league has ever seen, Steph and Klay are more than willing to be unselfish in moving the ball to other shooters. In Joe Harris, Golden State could add a deep threat at the wing spot, which has become essential as of late. 

Practical Play: D.J. Augustin 

Golden State has had the luxury of Shaun Livingston assuming the role of the backup point guard. When Stephen Curry heads to the bench or shifts to playing off-ball, Steve Kerr has had the confidence in putting the ball in Livingston’s hands. His mid-range jumper was another threat in the Warriors’ offensive arsenal. But with his retirement and subsequent move to Golden State’s front office, Bob Myers can find a solid replacement in the offseason. 

Enter D.J. Augustin, at 33-years old, and coming off a four-year deal with the Orlando Magic. Though he doesn’t boast as reliable of a jump shot as Livingston, he’s proven to be streaky, and could potentially lead the second unit as a scorer every once in a while. More importantly, he’s a savvy veteran that could handle the point guard duties of the second unit, and his contract would be at the affordable range for the Warriors. 

The wing position has become an essential piece of a roster and having a versatile option at the center position could be valuable for the Warriors, but signing a solid option to back up Stephen Curry is one of the under-the-radar moves that could be impactful in the long run. For a practical option, D.J. Augustin could be the solution.