The Golden State Warriors are set to run it back with their old roster. On Saturday, they first announced De’Anthony Melton’s signing. Then, they re-signed Gary Payton II. So far, the Dubs haven’t landed any outside free agents to fix glaring weaknesses.

Currently, they have three traditional centers: Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Charles Bassey. Plus, three forwards who can stretch the floor: Draymond Green, Gui Santos, and Yaxel Lendeborg. But they’re reportedly in for another big man.

“Signing Gary Payton II takes the Warriors to 13 players with standard deals and roughly $6M from the second apron hard cap,” according to insider Brett Siegel. “The Warriors have been eyeing extra backcourt help and also have interest in Kelly Olynyk.”

Siegel had previously also reported, “Although he’s not a guard, Olynyk has long been a target of the Warriors dating back to when he was on the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.”

Get the Essentially Dunk Newsletter. League-wide coverage every day on the All-Stars, MVPs, iconic legends, and the drama defining the NBA.

However, after playing limited minutes (8.6) in just 42 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, the approach from the Warriors definitely stands out.

Olynyk fits Steve Kerr’s motion offense because he’s an excellent passer from the high post. He can stretch the floor, creating driving lanes for guards like Stephen Curry and others.

In the last nine seasons, the 7-footer has had a positive offensive net-rating swing in eight of them, per Cleaning the Glass.

At 6-foot-11, Olynyk spaces the floor with three-point shooting and is an excellent passer, but he isn’t a dominant rebounder or shot blocker. With the Spurs, he averaged a career low of 3.2 points and 25.5% from three-point range.

Olynyk is already 35 and has played in just 86 games over the last two seasons. It goes without saying that the Warriors have to be careful about the Canadian’s injury history.

The Dubs will already be without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody for a chunk of the 2026-27 season. Plus, last year, Porzingis and Horford’s health was a running concern, especially toward the latter half. So, they can’t afford more injuries.

It appears that after missing out on LeBron James and declining Jaylen Brown’s offer, the Warriors reportedly focused their moves on preserving their core around Curry.

They have re-signed Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Charles Bassey, De’Anthony Melton, Draymond Green, and recently, Gary Payton II.

Although calls have been made for Curry to move on, he intends to continue riding out with the Warriors. He even celebrated Golden State’s announcement for Green’s return with “Let’s get it!!!”

Apart from Olynyk, Siegel reported that the Dubs front office is monitoring Kevin Durant’s situation if he becomes available. The Slim Reaper is on a $43 million salary for the next campaign and has a player option for 2027-28.

“Lacob and the Warriors would welcome Durant back with open arms, much like they were prepared to do in 2025 before he and his business partner Rich Kleiman stopped the trade deadline deal in its tracks,” the insider posted.

It is important to note that Durant reportedly halted a reunion with Curry because he wanted stability in Phoenix. Then, he went on to join the Houston Rockets, where serious locker room issues have cropped up.

On the other hand, the Dubs acquired Jimmy Butler, who they’ve lost to a serious injury. It doesn’t take a lot to deduce that the above thought process didn’t work for either party. Could that spark a reunion, for one last title push?

This is an interesting situation unfolding in the Bay Area.

Meanwhile, Kerr has hinted to the fanbase that he is okay with the current setup.

“[Sometimes] not making a move can be the best thing to do for your future,” Kerr said. “And you keep stacking up good moves and eventually you pounce when you’re ready.”

That statement doesn’t sit well, though, given how vanilla their offseason has been. Earlier, Kerr made a remark, saying, “We got him,” when fans asked about LeBron. The coach later revealed he was joking.

“I didn’t even think we were realistically in the running for LeBron,” Kerr said. “It’s just that everyone kept saying we were. It never seemed serious to me despite all the reports.”

The question now is, what are the Warriors actually serious about?

Curry (38), Green (36), and Porzingis (30) are expected to do the heavy lifting. Butler, who should be back in some playing capacity by February 2027, will be 37.

The only ray of hope that has shone through is Golden State’s No. 11 draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg. He helped the Dubs win the Summer League and even became MVP after scoring 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and recording 2 steals.

But Mike Dunleavy and the front office might just be putting too much faith in a recently drafted 23-year-old star. Especially when their goal is to overcome a rut of not making the actual playoffs (not play-in) twice in the last three seasons.

Curry will be eligible to receive a max two-year, $136.7 million deal on August 29. It remains to be seen how the Warriors handle locking in their biggest star’s short-term future. Even if both decide on halting a new contract agreement, there’s enough doubt whether the Dubs will efficiently use that cap space.

Nothing but tough times ahead for Curry and Co.