The Golden State Warriors are still on the hunt to round out their roster, with just three open spots left to fill. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Dubs have a shortlist of names they are seriously considering, aiming to bolster their lineup before things really kick off. They’ve got about an $8 million buffer below the second apron, so every minimum deal counts big time.
Veteran Bets: Risk or Reward?
Three big names on the radar for minimum deals are Kelly Olynyk, Gabe Vincent, and a potential re-signing of Gary Payton II. These guys are all veterans, but the report points out they’re likely “past their prime.”
Let’s talk Olynyk. He’s a 35-year-old stretch-five, the kind of player who, in his prime, seemed like a perfect fit next to Steph Curry and Draymond Green with his size, shooting, and passing. He’d be stepping in after Quinten Post signed with the Grizzlies. But at 35, the big question is how much is left in the tank. Last season with the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs, Olynyk averaged just 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.6 minutes across 42 games, shooting a rough 25.5% from deep. That’s a stark contrast to the season before, when he was putting up 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 41.8% three-point shooting across 20.3 minutes between the Pelicans and Raptors. Which Olynyk would they get?
Then there’s Gabe Vincent, a 30-year-old defense-first guard who was a key role player on that Miami Heat squad that made the Finals run in 2023. He signed a big three-year deal with the Lakers right after that, but injuries derailed him immediately. Since returning, he’s struggled to find his rhythm. Vincent has never been a scoring machine, but last season saw him hit a career-worst 35.2% from the field, averaging 4.4 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 rebound in 16.6 minutes across 53 appearances for the Lakers and Hawks. He did manage 34.1% from three, which is something, but can he ever get back to his Miami form?
The Wildcard and the Homegrown Option
While Olynyk, Vincent, and Payton II fit that “veteran role player” mold, the Warriors are also looking at combo guard Brandon Williams, who is labeled “undeniably a more volatile potential option.” Williams has only appeared in 140 career games, so he’s a bigger unknown, a true wild card in this mix. How much risk are the Warriors willing to take on for one of those final spots?
The other internal option is LJ Cryer, who could be promoted from his two-way deal. Siegel also mentioned a few other names could pop up, but it’s clear the Warriors are absolutely bringing in at least one more guard.
With three roster spots and decisions on both seasoned vets and a volatile young gun looming, the Warriors have some crucial choices ahead. Each pick could dramatically impact their depth and overall team identity. The next few weeks are going to be wild as we wait to see who lands those coveted spots.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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