After a wonderful (well, not for Warriors fans) NBA season, complete with the eighth different champion in the past eight years (congrats, Knicks), it is time to look into the offseason and free agency.

Previously, I wrote that the Warriors had two clear options for the coming years: all-in or tank. The re-signing of Coach Steve Kerr and the drafting of Yaxel Lendenborg signalled that the Warriors were going for the former. So let’s talk about the draft and what free agency could hold for the team. 

Entering pick No. 11, the Warriors had the option to go a variety of routes. Aday Mara, a great rim-defending and passing center, could’ve been the big man the Warriors needed for the next decade and a half. Nate Ament is an incredibly talented player who has shown flashes of true greatness. Both of these picks (especially Ament) would’ve signalled that the Warriors would fully dive into a transitional period as they begin the rebuild.

However, the Warriors went for national champion Yaxel Lendenborg, perhaps the most NBA-ready player in the draft. Yaxel has shown his ability as a three-level scorer, along with strong defense and rebounding. What stands out for the Warriors is how well Yaxel’s skill set fits their system. His versatility on offense means he can space the floor and move without the ball, which slots perfectly into Kerr’s motion-heavy, high-IQ offense.

On defense, Yaxel can switch onto multiple positions and contribute on the glass, giving the Warriors another capable perimeter and help-defender. With his willingness to move the ball and make the extra pass, he should be able to thrive in the Warriors’ read-and-react style. Expect him to play as a connector and secondary scoring option, likely coming off the bench initially but with a legitimate chance to earn big minutes right away due to his maturity and readiness, along with Jimmy Butler’s injury.

The major concern with him is his age, as he will be 24 when the season begins. Thus, Yaxel is viewed as a pick built for win-now teams: immediate impact, but lower future potential. I don’t really see him becoming a top player in the league, but one comparison I loved was OG Anunoby, a great player and an archetype every team needs to win, but not All-NBA-level talent.

The Warriors were in a difficult position entering the draft, and I do think that for the path they chose, Yaxel was the best pick. I doubt Pick 11 would net a good trade return, so getting what should hopefully be a good role player should help the team’s chances in the coming seasons. 

So how should the Warriors approach free agency? My answer: an all-in, blank check mentality.

The team has already committed to the Yaxel pick, so a weak free agency practically buys Golden State a ticket into basketball purgatory, where the team can’t compete or be bad enough for good picks.

First, a center. The Warriors can either try to woo back Kristaps Porziņģis when I’m sure he’ll be wanted by other teams or hand quite literally a blank check to Jalen Duren and hope to out-bid Detroit. Duren’s stock is low after a slew of horrid playoff performances, but I still doubt he’s gettable. Porziņģis will be cheaper, but he might want to leave the team and chase a ring.

Star defender Walker Kessler is another option at the position if the Jazz let him walk in RFA. Either option works, but entering the 26-27 season without a go-to center is practically suicide. Sure, they might make the playoffs, but watching Victor Wembanyama or Nikola Jokić massacre an undersized lineup would not be enjoyable.

Next, I would look to get some sort of other scorer or ball-carrying threat. Jimmy Butler likely won’t return until spring, and even then, his production might be hampered by his ACL injury. With Curry aging and becoming more injury-prone, someone who can score when he is off the court is badly needed.

Obviously, LeBron James comes to mind as a buy to unite former rivals and commit to the last years of the dynasty. Other options include Norman Powell and CJ McCollum. Then, one last buy to complete a perfect offseason would be a high-leverage role player like Tobias Harris, Bennedict Mathurin, Anfernee Simons, or Rui Hachimura.

Either the team banks on Yaxel being that guy the second he enters the league or gets someone to complement him and the rest of the bench. The Warriors are comfortably middle of the pack when it comes to salary, but cap space concerns will definitely impact who they approach over the summer.

When it comes to trades, I don’t think the Warriors have the resources to pursue Jaylen Brown, but I don’t think that Ja Morant is off the table. I think a package including Brandin Podziemski, another role player, and some first-round picks could definitely get the Dubs a viable starter. Additionally, the team has lots of questions surrounding the rest of the bench. Players like Gui Santos stepped up when Curry and Butler were injured, but their future production will certainly be a question mark. 

Overall, do I think the Warriors have a legitimate shot at the title next year? Yes. A small, but legitimate chance is always in the cards when you have Wardell Stephen Curry on your team (see 2021-22 Warriors for reference). If the team can make the playoffs as a respectable seed, I can see the combination of vintage Curry, playoff Butler, and (hopefully) another high-level player meshing to push the team into the finals. While both the Spurs and Thunder are miles ahead of the Warriors in terms of talent, I think they are both beatable in a 7-game series. Do I think the Warriors win? No. But, with a good free agency, I wouldn’t write them off.