The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a difficult roster-building situation following their high-profile acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. While adding a star of Butler’s caliber is undoubtedly a boost to their championship aspirations, it came at the cost of depth, as the team had to trade away four players to finalize the deal.

As a result, the Warriors currently have only 12 players on standard contracts, including Quinten Post, who had his two-way deal converted into a full NBA contract. Additionally, the team has two players on two-way deals, meaning they have room to add as many as four more players—three on standard contracts and one on a two-way contract.

However, the front office faces financial constraints that could limit their ability to fully bolster the roster. With the Warriors hard-capped at the first tax apron, they have just $1,372,306 in available cap space, according to Spotrac. This means they can afford to add just one more player on a prorated veteran’s minimum deal unless they make additional moves. Converting a two-way player, such as Pat Spencer, to a standard contract could help them reach 14 playoff-eligible players, but even then, their options are limited.

Potential Buyout Candidates for the Warriors

Despite financial limitations, the buyout market presents opportunities for Golden State to reinforce its roster with valuable additions. Here are six potential targets the Warriors should consider.

Ben Simmons

Among the most intriguing options for Golden State is Ben Simmons. Many Warriors fans are speculating about the possibility of signing the former All-Star, and from a salary cap perspective, the move is feasible. Since the Warriors are not an apron team, they are eligible to sign any buyout player regardless of their previous contract value.

Simmons’ playmaking ability and defensive versatility could make him a strong fit for Golden State. He has the potential to serve as a secondary ball-handler and function as a dribble handoff hub, much like Draymond Green. However, Simmons’ passivity on offense and injury history raise concerns. While he could be a unique asset, the Warriors might hesitate to gamble their limited financial flexibility on a player with so many uncertainties.

Bruce Brown

If the Warriors are looking for a more reliable option, Bruce Brown should be at the top of their list. A high-IQ player known for making winning plays, Brown played a crucial role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. His defensive intensity and ability to contribute without the ball would be highly valuable for Golden State’s system.

Brown is not an elite three-point shooter, but his energy, defensive versatility, and basketball instincts make him a perfect fit for a title-contending team. The only obstacle is whether he actually becomes available—his current team, the New Orleans Pelicans, may decide to keep him for the playoffs to retain his Bird rights. Regardless, the Warriors should closely monitor his situation.

Bojan Bogdanovic

A veteran sharpshooter, Bojan Bogdanovic could provide the Warriors with another offensive weapon. His ability to space the floor and handle the ball would add versatility to the team’s offense. The last time the Warriors won a championship in 2022, they had a sweet-shooting European big man in Nemanja Bjelica. While Bogdanovic offers a different skill set, his offensive firepower could be valuable in a similar way.

However, injuries have kept Bogdanovic off the court this season, and despite being cleared for on-court work, it remains uncertain how much he can contribute down the stretch. With limited cap space, the Warriors must weigh whether taking a risk on his health is worthwhile.

Malcolm Brogdon

If Malcolm Brogdon becomes available, he would instantly become one of the most talented players in the buyout market. The Warriors could benefit from his steady presence as a backup point guard behind Stephen Curry. Unlike traditional pick-and-roll guards such as Dennis Schroder, Brogdon thrives in a motion-based system, making him an ideal fit for Golden State’s style of play.

While injuries have hampered Brogdon’s availability in recent years, his skill set remains highly valuable. He has played for struggling teams recently, which may explain his reduced playing time. If given the opportunity in Golden State, he could be a significant contributor.

Seth Curry

Reuniting the Curry brothers in Golden State would undoubtedly generate excitement among fans. With the Charlotte Hornets seemingly headed for a rebuild, Seth Curry could be looking for a new team, and the Warriors would be a logical landing spot.

At 34, Curry remains an elite shooter, connecting on 45.1% of his three-point attempts this season. However, his role has diminished, and his defensive limitations might make him a less-than-ideal fit for a Warriors team in need of size and defense rather than another undersized shooter.

Larry Nance Jr.

While the least likely to hit the buyout market, Larry Nance Jr. would be an outstanding addition to the Warriors’ roster. A versatile big man, Nance can finish lobs, stretch the floor with occasional three-pointers, and make intelligent plays on both ends of the court.

The Atlanta Hawks highly value Nance and have reportedly resisted trade offers for him. If he does become available, Golden State should pursue him aggressively, as his combination of basketball IQ and locker room presence would be a perfect fit for the team.

Final Thoughts

The Warriors’ options in the buyout market may be limited, but they have a chance to add a key piece that could help them in the postseason. Whether they prioritize playmaking, shooting, or defense, they must carefully allocate their remaining financial flexibility to maximize their roster’s potential.

With the trade deadline behind them, Golden State’s front office must now make strategic decisions that could define their championship aspirations. If they manage to land the right player, it could be the final piece that helps them compete for another title.