The team may have missed out on LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there’s still a pathway to making upgrades without breaking up its beloved core. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there are ties between the squad and a pair of veteran minimum-level free agents: Georges Niang and Kelly Olynyk.

The Warriors had plans to pursue a new co-star for Curry, though that may not be known for now, but had to settle for less ambitious targets after being turned down. Fortunately, the organization managed to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green to contract extensions, securing a solid frontcourt to play alongside Steph.

By the numbers: Niang and Olynyk

Golden State must seek solutions that ensure results, especially in the paint, where the team struggled immensely last season. Still, at 33 years old, Georges Niang is not going to move the needle for Golden State, but having another veteran shooter and scorer on the floor would surely make life easier for Steph.

In 28 games last NBA season, Niang averaged 12.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 41.3% from three-point territory. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Niang provides crucial frontcourt depth that could prove decisive for the team’s success or failure this season.

If he is unavailable, the Warriors could also consider Kelly Olynyk, another veteran power forward capable of stretching the floor. In 42 games last season, Olynyk averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 49.0% shooting from the field.

Having played for eight teams over a 13-year career, he knows how to adapt to various situations and possesses extensive experience playing alongside elite talent.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, signing Payton brings the Warriors to 13 players under standard deals, leaving the team roughly $6 million below the second apron hard cap.

The Warriors have been eyeing extra backcourt help and are also interested in Kelly Olynyk. Additionally, the team is considering combo guard Brandon Williams and guard Gabe Vincent to fill its final three roster spots.

What Olynyk brings to the table

Olynyk is a veteran stretch-five who would seemingly replace departed restricted free agent Quinten Post, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Grizzlies that includes multiple team options.

In his prime, Olynyk‘s size, shooting, and passing abilities seemed like an excellent fit alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green, but at age 35, it is unclear whether he has enough left in the tank to make a major impact.

Last season, Olynyk played just 8.6 minutes per game across 42 contests, averaging 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 25.5% from three with the NBA Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

However, he was much more productive the prior season with the Pelicans and Raptors. He played 20.3 minutes per game, averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while making 41.8% of his three-point attempts.

Notably, that means adding more win-now players to the second unit, as their bench has struggled vastly for most of the season. Steve Kerr is usually a master at pulling off his rotations, but he can only do so much with the hand he’s been given right now.

With that in mind, Bleacher Report insider Zach Buckley predicts the Dubs could look to add more shooting, size, and ball-handling. So, they could try and trade James Wiseman and Ryan Rollins for Kelly Olynyk.

NBA Rumors: Warriors Could Pursue Kelly Olynyk

(via Zach Buckley – Bleacher Report)

“His steady shooting, slick passing and sky-high basketball IQ would make him a seamless fit in this offense. He has played above his head so far, but even when regression comes for the 31-year-old, he’d have plenty to give Golden State in a reserve role. The second unit has badly needed ball movement—which is why Draymond Green has been such an impactful addition to it—and you could argue that’s the strongest part of Olynyk’s arsenal.

He has some deficiencies on defense, and they are probably damaging enough to keep him from ever sniffing Golden State’s closing group. For the biggest Wiseman believers in the Warriors front office, shipping him out for a non-star, non-closer would be rough. Still, there is no arguing against Olynyk being substantially more helpful to the current club than the outgoing package here.”

The Jazz have played quite well, but it’s only a matter of time before they start tanking and planning ahead for the future. Wiseman has looked mostly terrible to start his career, but he’s young and has the upside and physical tools to succeed.

Of course, parting ways with a former 2nd-overall pick is a tough blow for the Warriors. But Wiseman has barely cracked their rotation since making his debut, and they need players who can contribute right now.