Warriors Buyout Market: Andre Drummond, Robin Lopez, and 2 ex-Players Likely Targets as Dubs Look to Add Length

Published 02/12/2024, 8:22 PM EST

The Golden State Warriors decided to trust in their tried and tested core. Except for the Cory Joseph trade, there was no noise whatsoever from the franchise. No Andrew Wiggins or Klay Thompson, and not using the Jonathan Kuminga card to lure potential trade assets. But it might not be the case for the Warriors buyout market.

With the departure of Joseph, the GSW has a vacant spot that they have to fill. And it seems like they are all in for adding a veteran big man. Considering how the Golden State loves to go with a small ball lineup, this is surely an interesting spin. Another aspect that factors here is their financial situation.

Who are the targets for the Warriors buyout market?

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A second-apron team, the franchise can only get someone whose original contract was less than $12.4 mil. Seeing as how we have our list narrowed down, here are a few big men who will probably be wearing the Warriors jersey. Let’s start with Andre Drummond – the 6’11 veteran Chicago center.

The Bulls did consider using him as a trade chip, but that was just about it. Much like many “potential scenarios,” Drummond’s move also went without any significant noise. There’s also the factor that he has seen decent time with the team’s starting center, Nikola Vučević on-court. As the Bulls look for a play-in spot in the East, the 2x All-Star could see himself subbing in Vučević’s place.

Long story short, the Warriors would love to get the 4x rebounding champion on the team. But the Bulls could also very well buy him out. The next on the list is Robin Lopez, a big man in every sense of the term. Standing at 7’1 and weighing 281 pounds, the 35-year-old would be a great fit for the Warriors.

With little to no hesitation in getting physical and a positive character that will put him right at home in the Dubs’ locker room, RoLo is quite a peculiar guy. But his stats aren’t very comforting. Playing just 16 games out of the 53 the Bucks have played this season, Lopez has logged in, on average, 4.1 minutes per game. Inconsistency is not something the Warriors have lacked this season and they certainly do not want their latest addition to bring in more.

The other two players who could get on board the Warriors ship are two former Dubs.

Ex-Warriors are also on the watchlist

The third name on the list, and the first in this category, is none other than DeMarcus Cousins. A free agent, Cousins, spent the 2018-19 season with the Golden State. So, he is no stranger to the workings of the Warriors. At 6’10, his offensive skills are pretty neat, not to mention he is just 33 years old. But his health will be a major black mark.

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A ruptured Achilles and a torn ACL is an explosive combo for a speedy retirement. Yet the fact that he notched a 30-point game in Taiwan about two weeks ago is comforting. And he wasn’t exactly a great fit with the Dubs’ culture. So, his chances of signing with the team look pretty slim.

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We still have another who is a former Warrior – Otto Porter Jr. Signing a one-year contract, Porter was a key piece in the franchise’s 2022 title run. Many teams noted his production in scoring and dominant presence in the paint during that period. Although he is only 6’8, OPJ’s game looks nothing like his frame.

Yet, his season-ending foot surgery means the team will have to be careful with using him. Then again, there is that little test called the physical Porter has to go through. So there we have some players that the Warriors are interested in. Who will ultimately see themselves along with league greats is a whole other waiting game.

With the Dubs’ tendency to go small at the end of games, we often see them get out-rebounded (as was the case in the thrilling double-overtime loss to the Lakers). The simplest solution to avoid that is the inclusion of a big. It seems like the Warriors want to cover all bases, to ensure they have the best possible chance at playoff contention this season.

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Who do you think would be a perfect fit alongside the Dubs? Let us know your thoughts below!

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“Not only is there more to life than basketball, there’s a lot more to basketball than basketball” - Jackson had a simple philosophy when he was coaching the Lakers. He wanted everyone to succeed and grow in the service of something bigger than themselves. This is what struck me the most.

Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe

Warriors Buyout Market: Andre Drummond, Robin Lopez, and 2 ex-Players Likely Targets as Dubs Look to Add Length

Who are the targets for the Warriors buyout market?

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Ex-Warriors are also on the watchlist