In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are poised to bring back a familiar face to reunite with superstar Stephen Curry. Sources predict that 6-foot-8 forward Kyle Anderson, affectionately known as “Slo-Mo” for his deliberate playing style, could be heading back to the Bay Area via the buyout market. This potential homecoming has fans buzzing and analysts praising the Warriors for what could be a masterstroke in bolstering their roster mid-season.
Anderson, a 32-year-old versatile forward and former McDonald’s All-American, spent the first half of the 2024-25 season with the Warriors, where he averaged 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. His time in Golden State was cut short when he was included in a blockbuster five-team trade that brought Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. From there, Anderson bounced to the Miami Heat, then the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal, and finally to the Memphis Grizzlies before the February 5, 2026, trade deadline.
But why the buzz now? With the Grizzlies holding one open roster spot and three promising two-way players—Javon Small, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and Jahmai Mashack—ripe for conversion to standard contracts, Anderson emerges as a prime buyout candidate. Analysts like Joey Akeley from Sports Illustrated highlight that Anderson thrives when paired with a stretch 5, and the Warriors boast an embarrassment of riches in that department: Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Quinten Post. “That means Anderson is a strong buyout candidate, and the Warriors would be a likely destination for the 32-year-old forward,” Akeley noted.
This season with the Grizzlies, Anderson has shown flashes of his value, averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field and 60% from three-point range. Though not the flashiest name on the buyout market, his methodical offensive approach and defensive versatility could provide the perfect complementary piece to Curry’s explosive scoring. Imagine Slo-Mo setting screens, facilitating plays, and stretching the floor alongside Curry—it’s a recipe for playoff success that has the NBA world in disbelief.
Reactions on social media have been electric, with fans and pundits alike expressing shock at the potential reunion. One X user pondered, “Not trying to be rude but how often have you seen Kyle Anderson play over the years? He is versatile and able to play three different positions… This is the buyout market, there’s not gonna be a lot of options.” Another highlighted the Warriors’ strategic positioning, noting the expiration of trade exceptions like the $8.8M Kyle Anderson TPE, which could pave the way for such a move. Even skeptics are coming around, with discussions emphasizing how Anderson’s non-guaranteed $9.7 million deal for next season makes him an low-risk, high-reward addition.
The Warriors, fresh off signing former Lakers guard Nate Williams to their final two-way spot, still have flexibility to ink a standard deal. If this buyout materializes, it could be the golden ticket Golden State needs to solidify their contender status. Anderson’s return wouldn’t just be a nostalgic nod to his brief stint—it’s a calculated strike that reunites him with Curry, potentially reigniting the dynasty vibes in the Bay.
As the buyout market heats up through early March, all eyes are on Memphis and Golden State. Could this be the move that propels the Warriors back to championship glory? The NBA world is watching, and if history is any indication, the Dubs are about to strike gold once more.