As the NBA Playoffs continue into the second round, it appears to be an open race out in the Western Conference. That bodes well for the Golden State Warriors, who will look to reemerge as a legitimate contender after missing out on the playoffs following an exit in the play-in tournament. The 2020-2021 season was proof that the Warriors can compete at a high level, so long as everyone, from the front office to the coaching staff, stays the course. In addition, some roster help is a vital need to extend their season into the postseason.

Stephen Curry continues to perform at his peak level at the age of 33, Draymond Green backed up his claim of being the best defender by being named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, and Golden State is looking to welcome back a hungry and motivated Klay Thompson. Coupled with the two-way efficiency Andrew Wiggins displayed this season and with the rise of Jordan Poole and Juan Toscano-Anderson, Golden State can bolster this promising roster with some savvy additions via free agency.

But if one thing is clear following this season, it’s that veteran* help will be vital, especially to maximize the window Golden State has left with Curry, Draymond, and Thompson playing together. Golden State’s cap situation will prove to be an obstacle, but they have some aid on their side. With the mid-level exception at their disposal, the Warriors would be wise to use it on a veteran player that understands the role they need to play and how to best maximize the likes of the core three when on the court.

With the offseason proving to be a deciding moment for this franchise, here are five veteran free agent targets for the Warriors to keep on their radar:

Rudy Gay

In what appears to be a consistent hypothetical pairing, Golden State could target the soon-to-be 35-year-old Rudy Gay in the offseason. The veteran wing would provide depth behind Andrew Wiggins, he has the length and size that would be welcomed in the frontcourt, and most importantly showed that he still has the skillset to make an offensive impact. Gay averaged 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game during the regular season, while shooting 38.1 percent from three.

Paul Millsap

He may no longer be the four-time all-star that he once was, but Paul Millsap can provide valuable minutes to a Warriors’ frontcourt that will face some of the toughest bigs like Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Deandre Ayton in the Western Conference. At 36 years old, Golden State wouldn’t be asking Millsap to shut down any of the aforementioned three, but after averaging nine points and four rebounds this past season, his presence would be best felt in attacking the glass and helping Golden State stay competitive in the rebounding battle.

Patty Mills

Jordan Poole’s resurgence in the second half of the season was promising, especially since Golden State has long sought a guard to run the second unit while Curry rests on the bench. Still, a veteran presence running the point could be a luxury for the Warriors, especially after the failed addition of Brad Wanamaker last season. Simply put: to have a veteran like Patty Mills out on the court with the goal of maintaining control of the game until Curry checks back in, could be the difference-maker in close games, which the Warriors found themselves in many times last season. Mills averaged 10.7 points on 41.2 percent shooting, showcasing his ability to impact the game offensively at 32 years old.

Serge Ibaka

Last offseason this pairing might have been a “dream scenario” for the Warriors, but things may change depending on how the Clippers postseason plays out. Ibaka’s signing with the Clippers was regarded as one of the best moves for both sides, only for Ibaka to miss 31 regular-season games due to injury. After playing a combined 17 minutes in the first two playoff games against the Mavericks, Ibaka has been inactive since. He has a player option to consider, but a first-round exit may entice him to look elsewhere. After averaging 11.1 points on 51 percent shooting this season, Ibaka can still be an impactful player off the bench for a competitive team, which the Warriors are looking to re-establish themselves as next season.

Andre Iguodala

This may be the reunion all Warriors fans are hoping for: to see former Warrior Andre Iguodala suit up once more in Chase Center. After being traded to Miami in 2020, Iguodala’s stint with the Heat hasn’t been fruitful, and his game averages have taken a hit. The hopes of a reunion only grew louder after the Heat were swept in the first round by the Bucks. In Miami, Iguodala averaged a career-low 4.4 points and shot a career-worst 38.3 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc.

So what is enticing for Iguodala to return? It’s his knowledge of the Warriors system and experience playing alongside Steph, Klay, and Draymond. At 37 years old he might not be contending for Sixth Man of the Year, but he’d be arguably one of the best players suited to maximize the Warriors’ system, while also mentoring the likes of Juan Toscano-Anderson, who to some extent is looking to provide a similar impact in his ever-growing role with Golden State.