The Golden State Warriors managed to steal away Jimmy Butler from the Phoenix Suns. However, with several buyout options potentially available to the Warriors and the rest of the NBA in the coming days, team GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. is in play to add another depth piece to the roster. Several guards and shooters are expected to hit the buyout market soon, and to make the most out of this season; a guard might be exactly what Golden State needs.
Warriors Buyout Options Could Include Reliable Guards
Warriors Could Add More Depth Following Jimmy Butler Trade With Valuable Buyout Options
Moving on from Dennis Schröder left a hole that the Warriors might need to fill. Schröder was brought in earlier in the season after De’Anthony Melton suffered a partially torn left ACL. The Warriors acquired him in the offseason to help Steph Curry in the backcourt but had to adjust after Melton’s injury by trading for Schröder. Now that Schröder is gone, the Warriors guard depth consists of Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, and Gary Payton II. In terms of quantity, the Warriors have enough at the position, but the position requires a jolt in terms of quality and play-off reliability.
Podziemski has had a rough sophomore season but is playing better of late and is showing signs of his potential as a long-term backup to Curry. However, his youth and inexperience come the postseason could backfire on the Warriors. The same could be said for Spencer, the former standout lacrosse player with minimal experience. Steve Kerr’s trust in Payton has been solid for most of his time in Golden State, including being a part of their 2022 championship run. Payton’s energy and defense are his strengths, and he has come up big for the Warriors in the playoffs past.
Despite the obvious depth, it’s still a position the Warriors should look to upgrade with experience, especially if they make it to the playoffs and want to compete. With the buyout market ahead, there are a few candidates Golden State should look at. Some of them come with playoff experience and some with shooting.
Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon is one of the most reliable guards who could hit the buyout market. His playoff experience is lengthy, and he has his Sixth Man of the Year award on his side. He offers playmaking, scoring, and a legitimate two-way backup presence behind Curry. Brogdon is averaging 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 21 games for the Washington Wizards this season.
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown brings the championship experience from the Denver Nuggets that the Warriors could lean on, provided they make the postseason. Brown’s versatility as a defender and ability to guard multiple positions would be a valuable asset for Golden State. Brown is currently with the New Orleans Pelicans after a deadline trade. However, it’s unlikely he’ll stay there as the trajectory of the Pelicans season doesn’t make sense to keep him. He’s averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, with the defense to round everything out.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic could be the perfect fit if the Warriors want to add a deep-scoring threat. Despite him being out due to injury right now, the Warriors could still pursue him. When he does return to play, they have a three-point shooter on their roster. Of course, the Nets would have to buy him out, but it makes sense for them to do that, considering he hasn’t played this season. The Warriors’ offense relies heavily on floor spacing and three-point shooting in their game plan. Bogdanovic could thrive in Kerr’s system, especially with Curry as a set-up man finding shotmakers on the floor. Bogdanovic shoots 39.7% from three for his career, which is certainly a threat offensively.
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