The Golden State Warriors enter the post-All-Star stretch with one open roster spot and a clear priority: add a wing at least 6’6″ to bolster depth after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. When a viable candidate becomes available, the team should do its due diligence — and Johnny Juzang just became one.
The 6’7″ shooting guard/small forward was released by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday after spending the season on a two-way contract. In four NBA seasons, Juzang has shown flashes of being a reliable rotation piece, particularly as a floor-spacer.
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Timberwolves Convert Johnny Juzang to Two-Way Contract – The NBA G League
This season with Minnesota, he averaged just 4.2 minutes and 2.0 points in limited appearances. But look at his previous two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25): 19.5 minutes, 8.5 points, and 38.4% from three on solid volume. Those numbers scream “three-and-D upside” — exactly the kind of wing Golden State needs behind Moses Moody and Gui Santos.
Why Juzang Makes Sense for the Warriors
Golden State is over the first apron, meaning strict buyout restrictions apply: they cannot sign any player who was earning $14.1 million or more before being released. That rules out big names like Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Khris Middleton, and Bogdan Bogdanovic — even if they hit the market.
Rumors persist about potential Clippers buyouts (Nicolas Batum and/or Bogdanovic) to drop below the luxury tax line, but Batum has a valuable $5.9M team option next season, and the Clippers may prefer to keep him for trade leverage. Even if released, Batum would draw interest from multiple contenders (Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets, Timberwolves), making him far from a lock for Golden State.
Other rumored names fall short:
Lonzo Ball (6’5″) — too small for bigger wings and shooting only 30.1% from the field.Georges Niang (foot) — hasn’t played this season.Matisse Thybulle — hasn’t played since October due to thumb/knee injuries; buyout uncertain.
That leaves the market thin for true wings. Enter Juzang.
Fit on Both Ends
Defensively, Juzang isn’t a lockdown stopper, but his 6’7″ frame allows him to play effective help-side low-man defense — a role many Warriors wings struggle with due to lack of size. He can switch onto bigger wings in spots and contest without being bullied.
Offensively, he’s primarily a three-point specialist (career 37-38% in college and flashes in the NBA), but he showed at UCLA he can score inside the arc with floaters, pull-ups, and crafty finishes. In a motion system built around spacing and off-ball movement, Juzang could carve out a 12-18 minute role spelling Moody (6’5″, solid 3-and-D) and Santos (6’7″, starting when healthy but capped at ~30 MPG).
The Timberwolves’ release doesn’t mean he’s without value — Minnesota simply has a deeper pool of rangy wings. Juzang proved over three seasons with the Jazz (2022-25) that he belongs in the NBA rotation.
Bottom Line: Warriors Should Prioritize Juzang
With only one spot left and the trade deadline passed, the buyout/free-agent market is the last avenue for help. Juzang checks the size box, brings shooting, fits the motion offense, and carries zero drama. At this stage, he’s arguably the best realistic wing option available.
Warriors fans: Do you want to see Juzang in the blue and yellow? Think he could carve out a real role behind Moody and Santos? Or should they wait for a bigger name (even if unlikely)? Comment below and share if you’re ready for one more roster tweak to push for the playoffs!