The Golden State Warriors are evaluating their guard rotations following the NBA trade deadline, deciding how to fill two open roster positions while balancing proven chemistry and potential impact. The team is currently deliberating over promoting two-way guard Pat Spencer to a full contract or adding former lottery pick Lonzo Ball through the buyout market, as part of their ongoing efforts to optimize the Pat Spencer Warriors roster.
Reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors are moving toward converting Spencer’s two-way contract into a standard roster spot and simultaneously monitoring Ball’s availability to fortify their backcourt.
“As the Warriors are working to convert two-way guard Pat Spencer to a roster spot, Golden State also has its sights set on adding Lonzo Ball via the buyout market,”
Fischer said, citing league sources.
Lonzo Ball’s Recent Trajectory and Buyout Status
Lonzo Ball, once the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, recently entered the buyout market after being waived by the Utah Jazz. Ball arrived in Utah as part of a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks.
As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cleveland sent Ball along with two second-round picks to Utah, which also received cash considerations from Atlanta in exchange for center Jock Landale. Despite his high draft pedigree, Ball’s recent seasons have been marred by knee issues requiring three arthroscopic surgeries.
Ball’s return last year was a remarkable medical comeback, but his on-court production has struggled to rebound. With the Cavaliers, Ball averaged a career-low 4.6 points per game, shooting under 30% from the field and beyond the arc, raising concerns about his health and fit within team schemes.
Warriors Position Themselves as a Potential Landing Spot for Ball
Jake Fischer suggested Lonzo Ball is a candidate for Western Conference contenders rather than just rejoining his brother LaMelo Ball in Charlotte. The Warriors, by creating roster flexibility through trades involving Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, have opened chances to add a high-potential player like Ball.
“I’ve heard Lonzo Ball is in play for a Western Conference contender,”
Fischer remarked on Bleacher Report’s post-trade deadline livestream.
“That’s one of the more interesting dynamics for him.”
Pat Spencer’s Rising Role Forces Warriors’ Decision
Meanwhile, Pat Spencer’s steady contributions are compelling the Warriors to solidify his spot. The undrafted guard, who transitioned to professional basketball from lacrosse, has proved to be a vital energy player. Over 36 games this season, he has averaged 5.8 points and 2.9 assists in just over 14 minutes per contest.
Spencer’s performance peaked in a crucial comeback win at Phoenix, where, absent Stephen Curry due to knee soreness, he scored a career-high 20 points on 60% shooting from beyond the arc. With his two-way player game limit of 50 now reached, the Warriors must decide whether to formally add him to the roster or risk losing his services.
“I don’t know if relief is the right word,”
Spencer said after the game.
“Business is business. We’ll figure it out. But I’m beyond thankful for this organization and the opportunity they’ve given me.”
Backcourt Depth and the Challenge of Role Definition
Golden State’s guard lineup is already crowded, featuring Stephen Curry, De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and rookie Will Richard. Adding both Spencer and Ball would create a surplus in the backcourt, prompting questions about how each player’s role would fit and how to maintain balance in team lineups.
The decision hinges on contrasting Spencer’s established fit, shooting confidence, and familiarity with the Warriors’ system against Ball’s defensive acumen, passing ability, and the possibility of reigniting his career in a championship-caliber environment.
With two open roster spots and multiple viable candidates, the Warriors face a difficult choice between nurturing current promise or betting on a return to past potential, highlighting the tension between continuity and calculated risk going forward.
As the Warriors are working to convert two-way guard Pat Spencer to a roster spot, Golden State also has its sights set on adding Lonzo Ball via the buyout market, sources say.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 7, 2026
