While 22 NBA teams are competing to finish out the 2019-2020 season and crown an eventual champion in Orlando, the remaining eight franchises are already preparing for the coming season ahead (whenever that will happen). It has been the theme of this past year for the Golden State Warriors, but the suspended NBA season, combined with not being invited to the NBA bubble, may very well work in favor of the Warriors. 

The added time off ensures that the core trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green return to the court in better health. The time away from NBA action means that training camp will be even more imperative for the younger players like Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, and Marquese Chriss to further acclimate into Golden State’s system. Granted, to help facilitate that acclimation, there is a likelihood that Golden State can add a few more veterans to the roster this coming offseason. 

Adding free agents with experience can help in mentoring said young players, while also giving the core of Curry, Thompson, and Green added production in their goal of returning to contention in the competitive Western Conference. Looking ahead to free agency, here are three targets the Warriors could focus on and potentially ink to a deal: one dream scenario, one strategic signing, and one practical play.  

Dream Scenario: Serge Ibaka 

He may no longer be the incredible defensive player that he once was back with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Serge Ibaka is still a presence on the defensive end, a solid rebounder, and has evolved his game to be a reliable option from beyond the basket. Soon to be 31 years old, Ibaka is averaging a solid 15.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and almost a block per game.

Adding him into Golden State’s system would likely diminish those numbers just a bit, but even at his age, he’d bring a welcome defensive presence inside, something that the Warriors have been looking for. Additionally, having him as a reliable option to take the open shot (averaging close to 40 percent from three) is always a plus for Steve Kerr. 

It’s a dream scenario for a reason, and Ibaka’s production helping the defending champion Toronto Raptors look sharp in Orlando might necessitate a bigger payday in the offseason, even at his age. But if someway somehow the Warriors and Ibaka could come to terms, it would be one of the best additions Golden State could have hoped for. 

Strategic Signing: Jae Crowder 

The wing position has arguably become vital in today’s NBA, and it’s no secret that it also happens to be Golden State’s position of least depth. Losing Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala was consequential, and currently, the Warriors are looking to Andrew Wiggins to significantly develop into their system. Regardless, it would help to have sufficient depth behind him on the roster.

If the price is right (and that will be the caveat here) then Jae Crowder could be a strategic addition. If his salary falls somewhere between the mid-level exception and the veteran minimum than he would absolutely be in play to join Golden State. At 30 years old, Crowder’s numbers on paper might not be a sight for sore eyes (38 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc), but he brings a toughness and gritty play style that could be a boost alongside some of the younger players. 

In this strategic signing, you’d be looking to add one of those glue guys, someone that you can trust to be on the floor while Steph or Klay might rest and ultimately just hold their own. Don’t forget that Strength in Numbers is still the mantra, and many of these glue guys are the reason Golden State is home to the NBA’s latest dynasty. 

Practical Play: Glenn Robinson III 

The state of the Warriors this past season was illustrated in the franchise being active at the trade deadline for the first time in a while, and it resulted in Golden State trading away both Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. Both gave solid production to a Warriors team that knew this season would be a development year after injuries early on. Still, Glenn Robinson III in particular made a positive impression on his teammates in the Bay. 

Robinson communicated that he enjoyed his time in Golden State, and his teammates and the front office made it known the feeling was mutual. Why not see a reunion this coming offseason? While Robinson might have envisioned a bigger payday, his move to the Sixers didn’t boost his stock as he hoped for, and it might be a sound decision to join his former team in Golden State (a more competitive team furthermore). 

For the Warriors, Robinson adds under-the-radar depth to the wing position, and his numbers (49 percent from the field, 39 percent from three) could provide a nice spark for the bench unit. Perhaps more invaluable, Golden State would welcome back a certified positive presence in the locker room. Both parties liked what they saw last season, so why not run it back.