The Golden State Warriors have decided to prioritize Pat Spencer by converting his contract from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract, making it unlikely that they will sign Lonzo Ball to fill their remaining roster opening. This development emerged as the team addresses key needs during the ongoing season, opting for a more certain option rather than a medical risk.
Reliance on Pat Spencer signals a strategic pivot by the Warriors amid roster shuffle and injury concerns. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed the shift, highlighting that Golden State’s interest in Lonzo Ball has cooled following Spencer’s contract upgrade.
Warriors Adjust Strategy on Buyout Market Signings
The Warriors initially showed interest in Lonzo Ball after opening two roster vacancies at the trade deadline, as reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer. These openings were created by trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porziņģis and sending Trayce Jackson-Davis away in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. However, rather than immediately filling these spots with external players, Golden State demonstrated confidence in their internal talent by extending Spencer’s contract to a full NBA deal.
Concerns Surround Lonzo Ball’s Health and Performance
Lonzo Ball’s status as a free agent remains complicated due to his medical history. After three arthroscopic knee surgeries, Ball made a rare return last season but struggled to regain his previous form. While with Cleveland, Ball’s performance dipped to a career-low average of 4.6 points per game, with shooting percentages below 30 percent from the field and beyond the arc. Ongoing durability concerns have led teams, including the Warriors, to be cautious when considering adding him to their rosters.
Pat Spencer Establishes Himself as a Valuable Contributor
Pat Spencer’s elevation from a two-way contract to the standard roster spot reflects the growing trust he has earned from Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Spencer, an undrafted guard and former top-ranked lacrosse player, has become a reliable source of energy and production amid Golden State’s injury challenges this season. In 36 games, he averages 5.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in just over 14 minutes per contest. In five games started, Spencer posted impressive numbers including 14.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 5 rebounds, shooting an efficient 54.2 percent from three-point range.
His best performance came in a critical 101–97 comeback victory in Phoenix, where, with Stephen Curry sidelined, Spencer scored a career-high 20 points, hitting six of ten three-point attempts.
Spencer’s Role Enlarges During Curry’s Injury Absence
With Golden State’s star Stephen Curry out for a fourth consecutive game, dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee), Spencer’s role in the team’s rotation has become increasingly important. This condition causes pain at the front of the knee and difficulty with activities such as jumping and walking downstairs, requiring careful management to avoid aggravation. Kerr acknowledged that Curry’s return before the All-Star break is doubtful, stating,
“There’s a good chance that he doesn’t play until after the break. We’re going to take it day by day.”
Golden State’s Focus Shifts Toward Stability Amid Playoff Push
As the Warriors face the challenge of competing without their franchise star and a tightening postseason race, their approach has leaned toward maintaining reliability and cohesion. Converting Spencer’s contract while hesitating on signing Ball illustrates a preference for players familiar with Kerr’s system who can contribute immediately. The decision signals a cautious path emphasizing proven chemistry over speculative additions during this critical phase.
Though the final roster spot remains undecided, Golden State’s direction appears clear: prioritize dependable players like Pat Spencer in hopes of steadying the team and maximizing performance until Stephen Curry can return to the lineup.
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
