The Golden State Warriors’ decision to switch from pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo to acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis on Wednesday night altered their trade deadline strategy and immediately created a significant opportunity for guard Pat Spencer. This shift came as the Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta, while also trading Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a future draft pick.
These moves freed up valuable roster spots, making it possible for the team to convert Spencer’s two-way contract into a standard NBA deal, an important step since he only had one game left under the two-way eligibility rules.
How Trades Impacted Warriors’ Roster and Pat Spencer’s Status
NBA insider Jake Fischer highlighted the broader roster effects of these transactions beyond the headline names.
The Warriors’ combination of Wednesday night trades will also open a necessary roster spot to convert two-way guard Pat Spencer,
Fischer shared on X.
Thanks to the newly available roster spots, the Warriors can finalize Spencer’s contract upgrade, ensuring his continued presence on the team beyond the constraints of his previous two-way status.
Pat Spencer’s Growing Role Through Injuries and Team Changes
Throughout the season, injuries and roster moves have tested Golden State’s depth, leading to increased opportunities for Spencer. His consistent play has earned him more minutes in head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation.
In his latest game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Spencer delivered a strong performance, tallying 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His ability to maintain pace and apply defensive pressure has enhanced his reliability among teammates and coaches alike.
Spencer first gained prominence during a stretch when star point guard Stephen Curry missed games with a quad contusion. Over those five games, Spencer averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, showcasing an impressive 57.1% shooting accuracy from three-point range.
Breakthrough Performance Against Cleveland Solidified Team Confidence
Spencer’s most notable performance came in a closely contested victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 6, where he scored a personal best 19 points, nailed the decisive free throws, and finished with a team-high seven assists. This game snapped a two-game losing streak for the Warriors and underscored Spencer’s increasing value.
When we have No. 30, we have a clear-cut identity,
Spencer remarked at the time.
When we don’t, we don’t. But I feel like I can be part of that equation.
With Curry sidelined once again due to a runner’s knee injury, Jimmy Butler absent, and Kuminga traded away, Spencer is expected to remain a regular contributor rather than merely a short-term fill-in.
From Collegiate Lacrosse Standout to NBA Roster Mainstay
Pat Spencer’s journey to the NBA defies convention. Originally a standout lacrosse player at Loyola University Maryland, he helped lead the Greyhounds to the 2016 NCAA Final Four and was the first overall pick in the Premier Lacrosse League’s inaugural draft in 2019.
Opting to pivot rather than pursue a professional lacrosse career, Spencer utilized his graduate eligibility to compete in basketball at Northwestern University. His basketball path continued through the G League with the Capital City Go-Go, followed by a Warriors training camp invite and two developmental seasons in Santa Cruz before breaking into Golden State’s main roster.
My role is whatever the team needs,
Spencer recently told NBC Bay Area.
I try to add value whether I’m on or off the floor, and when I’m on the floor, just taking advantage of the minutes.
This roster reshuffling following the Warriors’ trade deadline moves, including the switch from targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo to signing Porziņģis, represents a rare opportunity that could secure Spencer’s NBA future as more than just a two-way player.
The Warriors' combination of Wednesday night trades will also open a necessary roster spot to convert two-way guard Pat Spencer.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 5, 2026
