The Golden State Warriors appeared poised to fill their final roster spot with Lonzo Ball via the buyout market, as reported Saturday morning by Jake Fischer of the Stein Line. However, Marc Stein (Fischer’s colleague) later indicated the team is backing off that pursuit, opening the door for other options.
One name gaining serious traction as a backup plan is Eric Gordon, the 37-year-old veteran sharpshooter who was recently waived by the Memphis Grizzlies after a brief stop following a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why Eric Gordon Makes Sense for Golden State
Heavy Sports’ Keith Watkins laid out the case clearly on Sunday:
“The Warriors need spacing, particularly with Butler out and Curry’s return timeline unclear. Gordon provides that in a low-usage role. He doesn’t need plays run for him or extended minutes. He just needs to make defenses respect his shooting and keep the floor open for Golden State’s primary options.”
Key points from Watkins and the broader context:
- Elite catch-and-shoot threat — Gordon is still shooting 57.1% from three (small sample, 6 games with Philly) and has been one of the most reliable 3-point specialists of his generation (career ~37–38% on high volume).
- Veteran presence — At 37, he brings nearly two decades of NBA experience, championship pedigree (2017 with Houston), and low-maintenance professionalism — exactly the kind of player Steve Kerr loves.
- Low-risk, high-floor fit — Gordon doesn’t demand touches, can play 15–20 minutes per night off the bench, and thrives when defenses collapse on Curry or other creators.
- Addresses current need — With Jimmy Butler out for the season (ACL tear) and Stephen Curry sidelined (runner’s knee, doubtful for pre-break games), the Warriors desperately need floor-spacing and reliable shooting to keep defenses honest.
Gordon’s Recent Path
- Averaged 5.5 PPG on 57.1% FG and 57.1% 3PT in six games with Philadelphia before the trade.
- Traded to Memphis last Thursday, then waived shortly after — making him immediately available on the buyout/free-agent market.
Warriors’ Current Situation
- Record: 28-25 (8th in West)
- Missing: Curry (knee), Butler (season-ending ACL), Porziņģis (debut delayed post-break due to Achilles/illness recovery).
- Recent form: Struggling to generate consistent offense and spacing without their stars.
- Remaining pre-break games: vs. Memphis (Monday), at San Antonio (Wednesday) — wins here are critical to avoid slipping further.
Bottom Line
The Warriors appear to have cooled on Lonzo Ball (due to his poor shooting recovery, health concerns, and defensive limitations). Eric Gordon, despite age and defensive concerns, offers a simple, proven tool: elite off-ball shooting and spacing that keeps defenses from sagging off the perimeter.
At a likely minimum or near-minimum deal, he’s a low-risk, high-IQ addition who can help Golden State survive until Curry and Porziņģis return.
Warriors fans — would you rather take a flier on Eric Gordon for spacing and shooting, or hold out for someone else in the buyout market? Do you think the team can scrape into the playoffs even without Curry for the next few games? Drop your thoughts below — the final stretch before the break is make-or-break.