Golden State Warriors: 5 ideal scenarios for Dubs in upcoming free agency

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 8: Klay Thompson #11 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 8, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Re-sign Cousins, re-sign Klay, re-sign Looney, sign Austin Rivers

For the first time in these scenarios, we see DeMarcus Cousins made an appearance. He’d become a vital part of the Warriors roster and likely receive a pay increase with Durant’s absence. Cousins single-handedly won and lose the Warriors games last season.

How Cousins return is judged will depend on the price that it takes to retain him. Averaging 16.3 points per game, Cousins was impactful for the Warriors, but it was a struggle to have him on the court defensively at times as well.

If we can get Cousins back for under $8 million, then the Warriors should absolutely re-sign him. However, if it’s an eight-figure contract, the Warriors might as well let him walk. In addition to retaining Cousins, the Warriors could snag Klay and Looney.

Given the fact that the Dubs may still need to replace some of Durant’s production, they could sign Austin Rivers.

At 6-foot-4, Rivers displayed to the Dubs on the brightest stage what he’s capable of. Every time Rivers was given over 25 minutes against Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals, the Rockets won.

By adding Rivers and retaining those three, the Dubs would be in true championship-contention again.

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