The battle for the final roster spot on the Golden State Warriors roster spot has taken an unexpected twist. After weeks worth of reports on players vying for the role to help back up Stephen Curry, there winner in the end appears to be.. nobody.
According to the latest report from The Athletic's Shams Charania and beat reporter Anthony Slater, the Warriors have cut ties with veteran guard Avery Bradley.
The Warriors are waiving veteran guard Avery Bradley, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 16, 2021
On its face, you'd think that would make Gary Payton II the clear winner for the 15th and final roster spot. But Slater also reports that the Warriors are actually cutting GPII as well.
Warriors have also waived Gary Payton II. The 15th spot is currently vacant. But Steve Kerr said there will be "discussions" in the coming days about the vacancy. I'm hearing that there is a possibility of bringing Payton back, once the process plays out.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 16, 2021
While Slater does mention that Payton II is still in the running, it looks like the Warriors weren't infatuated enough with any of the options available. They had already waived Langston Galloway and are looking to bring back Mychal Mulder on a two-way deal, so it may remain vacant after these sets of moves.
Keeping an open roster certainly isn't an unconventional move for a veteran team with championship aspirations.
The needs of the team will evolve as the season rolls around and injuries start to become a factor in roster decisions. The Warriors may simply be keeping their flexibility in the meantime.
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