The Golden State Warriors have a few open roster spots heading into the buyout and post-deadline free-agent market, and they are expected to be active in identifying low-risk, high-IQ contributors who can help during their 2025-26 championship pursuit.
One name that has surfaced as a logical target is veteran guard Pat Connaughton, who was recently waived by the Charlotte Hornets.
Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley highlighted Connaughton as a player the Warriors should strongly consider:
“(Pat) Connaughton is a decent shooter (35.7% from three in his career) who won’t kill your defense. He’s played in 86 playoff games.”
Why Connaughton Fits the Warriors
Championship pedigree — Connaughton won a ring with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and has extensive playoff experience (86 games).Shooting reliability — Career 35.7% from three, and he shot 40.7% from deep in 22 games with Charlotte this season before being waived.Defensive effort — He’s not an elite defender, but he’s disciplined, smart, and doesn’t hurt you on that end — exactly the type of role player Steve Kerr values.Veteran leadership — At 33, he brings 11 years of NBA experience and knows what it takes to win in May and June.
His role in Golden State would likely be:
Spot-up shooter off the benchReliable rotation piece in the playoffsStabilizing veteran presence in a locker room that just lost Jimmy Butler for the season (ACL tear) and is trying to stay afloat in the play-in race (currently 28-24, 8th in the West)
Connaughton’s Recent Performance
In Charlotte this season (before the waiver):
2.9 PPG40.7% 3PT (on low volume)Limited role, but efficient when he played
The Hornets waived him because he didn’t fit their timeline or rotation needs — a classic buyout candidate scenario.
Why Golden State Makes Sense
The Warriors need shooting and playoff-proven depth after missing on bigger targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo.They recently acquired Kristaps Porziņģis to address the frontcourt, but the backcourt and wing rotation still need reliable veterans.Connaughton on a minimum or near-minimum deal carries almost no risk and adds exactly the kind of “known commodity” Kerr loves.
Bottom Line
Pat Connaughton won’t move the needle dramatically — he’s not a star — but he’s exactly the type of low-cost, high-floor addition contending teams target in the buyout window. For a Warriors team fighting to stay in the play-in picture and give Stephen Curry one more meaningful postseason run, he’s a smart, no-brainer target.
Warriors fans — would you want to see Pat Connaughton in the blue and yellow for the stretch run? Or do you think they should hold out for a bigger name in the buyout market? Let me know your thoughts below — the deadline may be over, but the buyout window is just getting started.