
Find a perfect MLE addition
The perfect mid-level exception addition is out there. Sadly, Marc Gasol may be leaving for Spain. Gasol, despite a rough postseason, may have been the best fit among any player hitting the free-agency market.
Serge Ibaka may be another player the Warriors target. He can shoot from deep, and he’s been one of the league’s premier shot blockers for over half a decade. There’s a list of players that the Warriors would look at with this exception.
But, there will be many other factors that tie into the perfect MLE addition. Fit is always going to be the biggest one.
With Russell being dealt because of his fit, the Warriors must figure out what they desire from this asset. Do they want a shot-blocker? Would they prefer to have that backup point guard that may be slightly above a minimum-value player?
It’ll also be about what they do in the draft. If they draft Haliburton or Avdija, then there’s no need for a backup point guard or small forward. And, if they get Wiseman, they won’t need an Ibaka-like talent.
It ties back into those first few steps, but it’ll most certainly be an asset that they used, having signed DeMarcus Cousins with the same exception a few years ago.