This year’s NBA trade deadline was one for the ages. Major contenders like the Brooklyn Nets got into a rebuild almost overnight. Similarly, the grueling Russell Westbrook saga in Los Angeles also came to its end at the NBA trade deadline. Consequently, with a significant change in the playoff landscape, teams around the league are now foraying the buyout market to further solidify their rosters. Likewise, Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors are also expected to make major moves. Interestingly, Westbrook is expected to get bought out by the Utah Jazz and enter free agency.
Other big names like Patrick Beverley and Kevin Love, among others, are also joining Brodie in the buyout market. With all these names up for grabs, the Golden State Warriors’ move will undoubtedly affect their odds amid crucial injuries.
Golden State Warriors’ potential moves in the buyout market
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The Golden State Warriors have not lived up to their championship-level expectations this season. As the defending champions, they have massively underdelivered this season with an underwhelming record of 29-29, seeded as the 9th seed in the Western Conference. However, the Warriors have been rather unfortunate with all the crucial injuries on their roster, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Andre Iguodala. Consequently, with an open roster spot, they are expected to make a move in the lucrative buyout market this year.
If the Warriors are seriously making a move, this season’s market presents them with a plethora of options. However, some players have already emerged as valuable options who could very well land in Golden State. According to a report by HoopsHype, Golden State could use the services of Patrick Beverley amid all the crucial injuries at the guard position. Moreover, Beverley’s experience and versatility as a defender can certainly aid the Warriors’ cause in the absence of Gary Payton II.
I’ll have more to say soon but want to get this off my chest.
To the people of Cleveland and all of Ohio. I fucking LOVE you…and always will. Thank you for everything.
More to come. #0️⃣
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) February 18, 2023
Likewise, NBA insiders have Kevin Love as another top candidate to get acquired by the Warriors. The addition of Kevin Love’s championship experience and marksmanship can fit like a glove with the Dubs squad. Moreover, amid the release of their 7-ft center James Wiseman, Love, a former rebounding champion, can certainly help the team on the glass.
Russell Westbrook can also be an ideal candidate by coming off the bench, similar to his Lakers’ role. But his limited defense and poor three-point shooting would do more harm than good. However, in a press conference on Monday, the Warriors’ basketball operations president, Bob Myers, clearly stated they wouldn’t sign a player just to make a move. Thus, only time will tell whether the defending champions will make a major move in the buyout market.
The state of the buyout market
The NBA buyout market following the trade deadline is seldom exciting. However, succeeding one of the hottest trade deadlines in NBA history, the buyout market has kept fans on their toes. The state of the buyout market this season has a mix of big names and league veterans. According to many sources, Russell Westbrook is very likely to get bought out by the Utah Jazz and enter free agency.
Similarly, Patrick Beverley, who just got traded to the Orlando Magic, will follow a similar path as his former Lakers teammate. Moreover, veteran forward Kevin Love recently finalized a buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Other notable names in this year’s buyout market include John Wall, Danny Green, Terrance Ross, and Reggie Jackson, among others.
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