Golden State Warriors

5 Dream Targets For Golden State Warriors In 2017 NBA Free Agency

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:53 p.m. ET

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In a hypothetical world where dreams come true and there are no salary caps, the Golden State Warriors would likely be looking to sign these big names during 2017 NBA free agency.

The 2016-17 NBA season is winding down and the Golden State Warriors are revving up for a serious playoff run. When all is said and done this season, though, each and every team will be faced with the always-interesting task of determining what's next.

Shortly after the season is over, 2017 NBA free agency will get under way. It's an opportunity for some of league's best to test the waters and see what type of money their worth.

With the NBA's ever-expanded salary cap, it's also a chance for many of the big names to cash in on the sport's booming popularity.

This year won't be any different. Especially with the Warriors, it could be a sticky situation with more than half of their roster set to be free agents. However, in this hypothetical, I'm working under the assumption they all find a way to re-sign (unless otherwise noted).

I know it wouldn't work from a financial standpoint, but remember–this is a world where salary caps don't exist.

Seeing as that's the case, what type of damage could the Warriors do during free agency? My guess would be they'd have their pick of the bunch, especially if they secure another title this year. However, my guess is they'd have their sights set on a few key free agents.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five dream targets for Golden State during 2017 NBA free agency. Signing these players probably wouldn't work in reality, but they'd likely be inking deals if dreams really did come true.

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Andre Roberson, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Let's briefly live in a world where Andre Iguodala leaves. It's a heartbreaking loss for the Warriors, but not completely surprising seeing as he'll likely be looking to cash in one more time before calling it a career.

If that's the case, Golden State suddenly needs a new top-notch defender on the wing.

While there are a number of options available, most of them don't bring the same defensive talent to the table that Iguodala does. In the instance of Andre Roberson, he fits the bill almost perfectly.

In fact, he may actually be the one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA despite the lack of respect he gets from everyday fans.

The best part would be that, despite this being a hypothetical in which money doesn't matter, Roberson would be a cheaper option for the Warriors. Even with his excellent defensive skills, his lack of offensive effectiveness could scare away some teams.

Despite that fact, the Warriors would love to add Roberson to their bench unit. He'd help lock down some of the NBA's top scorers, replacing Iguodala in the process–at least on one side of the floor. Plus, he's younger than Golden State's current sixth man and still has more room for growth.

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Nerlens Noel, C, Dallas Mavericks

This offseason could yield some interesting results for the Warriors when it comes to the center position. Zaza Pachulia and David West are both scheduled for free agency and it's unclear if Golden State plans on re-signing one, both or neither.

Either way, the open market could be an avenue to find an upgrade–or at least a younger alternative.

While chances are slim, Nerlens Noel could be had if the Mavericks choose not to match any offer sheet he signs. I'd have to imagine the Warriors would at least have some interest in signing the restricted free agent.

The financials likely wouldn't work out, but no one cares about monetary constraints in dream scenarios.

So here it is–the Warriors could find themselves one of the NBA's most intriguing young big men. He may not be a prolific scorer like the rest of the starting lineup, but he's a tremendous rim protector who only has up to go as his career matures.

That is, assuming he can stay healthy long enough to unlock his potential.

Is Noel a home run at center? Not necessarily, especially when you consider his injury history. However, he's a younger option than Pachulia or West with significantly more upside. The Warriors wouldn't need him to be a big-time scorer, and they'd welcome his presence in the paint.

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Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

I know this seems insane, but stick with me here. Let's imagine a bonkers situation in which, for some unknown reason, Stephen Curry decides he needs a new challenge. Instead of re-signing with the Warriors as expected, he takes his talents elsewhere.

That move obviously leaves a gaping hole in Golden State's starting lineup and heart. I'm pretty sure the franchise as a whole would be utterly demoralized.

And yet, life goes on–the Warriors would have to find a way to rebuild, and that would mean more than just re-signing Shaun Livingston to man the point guard position.

If this hypothetical were to play out, there would be a number of options available via free agency. Several elite veterans could potentially be free to sign elsewhere, and the Warriors would have a huge need with Curry out of the picture.

So why not take that money and throw it at Chris Paul, promising him a terrific shot at a ring in the process?

Despite his age, CP3 is still one of the best point guards in the business. He continues to bring excitement to a Clippers team that's watching its championship window close quickly. Jumping ship and heading north, though, could keep his hopes of tasting the ultimate NBA victory alive.

Losing Curry would be devastating, but Paul would be a solid consolation prize.

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Greg Monroe, C, Milwaukee Bucks

Noel would be a strong addition this offseason, especially if the Warriors were interested in having a starting-caliber true center on the roster. However, if they really want a dominant big man, I think they'd be better off targeting a talent such as Greg Monroe in this dream scenario.

I don't know why the Bucks don't think so, but Monroe is still a star down low. He's been a monster this season despite coming exclusively off the bench.

Milwaukee has started young options at center, but there's no denying the veteran is making the most of his minutes when they come around.

Chances are he'll decline his player option this offseason, allowing him to find a team more willing to make him a prominent part of their game plan. The Warriors fit the bill, even with their knack for taking the small-ball approach.

Put simply, having a true enforced in the middle would make a huge impact for Golden State.

Monroe would cost a pretty penny considering there should be several interested parties when he hits the market. At the same time, joining a true contender like the Warriors is likely near the top of his priorities list.

Taking his talents to the Bay Area seems like a smart move for a big man like Monroe.

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Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz

We've already looked at the possibility of Iguodala leaving for greener pastures during free agency. Now let's speculate what could hypothetically happen if Kevin Durant decided his one-year stop in the Bay Area was enough. As you can probably guess, it would be a huge shot across the bow.

As luck would have it, there's a suitable replacement who could be available after likely declining his player option in the coming months. Gordon Hayward may not be quite on the same level as Durant, he'd be a welcomed addition to the Golden State starting five.

Better yet, he may even give the Warriors a more well-rounded talent at small forward.

Since emerging as the star of the show in Utah, Hayward has quietly worked his way up the small forward rankings. I wouldn't put him completely in the elite category, but he's easily one of the best all-around talents in the NBA.

Just ask the Jazz, a team that is very unlikely to let him walk this offseason.

However, if they did, the Warriors would have to be all over him. He would cost them a max contract, but money doesn't matter in these dream scenarios. All that matters is he'd be an excellent fit for this Golden State team, especially if Durant takes his talents elsewhere.

When it comes down to it, Hayward may be a better option considering the fact he isn't a player who must always have the ball in his hands like the Warriors' current small forward.