The Golden State Warriors need every ounce of help they can get when they ultimately enter 2026-27.
Even if they had pulled off a trade for a major star, that was always going to be the case. They'll be missing a pair of starters in Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody until at least mid-season, and each player with a guaranteed roster spot will need to pick up the slack.
At this point in the offseason, then, all eyes will be on how they choose to distribute their final two contracts. At the very least, they have some level of flexibility. They could choose to sign just one player to a veteran minimum deal and elevate one of their current two-way contributors—LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons—to the standard roster. They could also sign a pair of veterans in hopes that they're able to provide a level of stability to the end of the bench.
No matter what route they take, though, it's seeming more and more like Kelly Olynyk may be their best option. Although he hasn't played a major NBA role since he split 2024-25 with the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans, his versatility as a rebounding big man and capable floor spacer could make him Golden State's best bet at this point in the offseason.
It may not be a comfortable truth— but Kelly Olynyk may be the Warriors' most compelling free-agent option
Part of what will make these decisions so difficult is the multiplicity of needs Golden State still has on their roster. They re-signed Gary Payton II, who will provide some backcourt depth, but they still need an additional ball-handler behind Stephen Curry. With Moody out, there's also a clear need for a perimeter-shooting and defending wing.
But the frontcourt can't be ignored, either. The Warriors re-signed Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford this offseason, and they brought back Charles Bassey after they lost Quinten Post to an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies.
But if Horford and Porzingis were to play 60 games a piece, Golden State would be fortunate. Horford played just 45 games last season as he dealt with a variety of ailments. Porzingis' long-term health, meanwhile, will always be under question.
Bassey is a capable rebounder and plays with energy. But can he be trusted to take over extensive minutes at the five-spot if both Porzingis and Horford need to miss time? Olynyk would at least provide some insurance in that regard.
He averaged just 8.6 minutes per game across 42 appearances with the San Antonio Spurs last season, sitting firmly behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet on the depth chart. But he was actually relatively productive in his last full season, averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 44 games in 2025. His career 36.9% mark from beyond the arc on low volume is serviceable, meaning there's room for him to play at power forward in certain bench lineups.
It would certainly be a gamble to sign Olynyk. It's not clear how much he has left in the tank as he enters his age-35 season. But Golden State needs additional juice in the frontcourt, and their alternative is likely Georges Niang— who did not play a single NBA game in 2025-26.
That could make Olynyk their best option still remaining on the market this offseason.
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