Warriors Minimum Contracts to Pursue as Late NBA Free Agency Steals

The 2024 NBA free agency period is already one to remember for the Golden State Warriors.

This will always go down as the summer in which they split from Stephen Curry's splash sibling, Klay Thompson, who was sign-and-traded to the Dallas Mavericks. If the Warriors play meaningful basketball next season, free agency will also be remembered for having delivered Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield.

And who knows, maybe the Dubs aren't finished. The following three bargain-bin options are at least worth a phone call from the front office.

Gordon Hayward, SF/PF

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Gordon Hayward #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

While there are arguments to be made for Golden State getting younger and more athletic, those traits are seldom found in the bargain bin. What might still linger in the clearance section, though, is an overlooked veteran like Gordon Hayward.

Yes, he has a frightening injury history behind him, and no, he's nowhere near the player he was at his peak. Still, the veteran swingman offers a plug-and-play blend of awareness, instincts and the dribble-pass-shoot skill set required to have success in this system.

He hasn't topped 55 games since 2018-19, but he has generally played solid ball within this stretch. His averages over the past five seasons include 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists, not to mention a tidy 47.5/38.5/82.3 shooting slash.

If he's amenable to a minimum deal, then he should also be open to an appropriately sized role. If Golden State went into this with plans of him serving in a complementary role player capacity and not even entertaining ideas of him recapturing his old star form, this could work.

Tyus Jones, PG

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 14: Tyus Jones #5 of the Washington Wizards controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 14, 2024 in Houston, Texas. 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.  (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Last season, the Warriors got great mileage out of Chris Paul. Not great enough to pick up his nonguaranteed $30 million salary, of course, but it was hugely helpful finally having a reliable floor general who could steady the ship when Stephen Curry needed a breather.

Tyus Jones could dazzle in a similar capacity.

Like Paul, Jones is a prolific playmaker with an obvious allergy to turnovers. As a first-time starter for the Washington Wizards this past season, he had a Grand Canyon-sized split between his averages in assists (7.3) and turnovers (1.0). He also pumped in a personal-best 12 points per outing with an efficient 48.9/41.4/80 shooting slash to boot.

He surely expected something more sizable than minimum money this summer, but with cap space and job openings drying up across the year, maybe he'd be open to a reputation-boosting one-year run in the Bay Area.

Cedi Osman, SF

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 2: Cedi Osman #16 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 2, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Wing versatility is a need for every modern NBA team. The Warriors are no exception, and that's without accounting for the possibility of sacrificing a wing or two in a potential Lauri Markkanen trade.

Cedi Osman fits that description. And even if his versatility is more of the jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none variety, it still allows him to make an impact in myriad ways.

He is a tireless hustler, a savvy off-ball mover and an increasingly reliable outside shooter (albeit one who doesn't launch long-range shots at a high volume). He processes reads quickly enough to operate in a read-and-react offense, and he's a threat in the open court.

If nothing else, he'd be an insurance policy in case Golden State needs to fill spot minutes along the frontcourt.