Steve Kerr, Pat Spencer, Steph Curry injury update, return date, Golden State Warriors trade, injury news
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Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on December 06, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
How many guards are enough for the Golden State Warriors?
With two open roster spots coming out of the NBA trade deadline, Golden State is weighing how to balance continuity with upside—an equation that has now linked the Warriors to both a feel-good internal promotion and a former lottery pick on the buyout market.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors are working toward converting two-way guard Pat Spencer to a standard contract while also keeping an eye on Lonzo Ball as a potential addition.
“As the Warriors are working to convert two-way guard Pat Spencer to a roster spot, Golden State also has its sights set on adding Lonzo Ball via the buyout market,” Fischer reported, citing league sources, Saturday.
Lonzo Ball Hits Buyout Market
Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls
GettyThe Golden State Warriors eye to add former No. 2 pick Lonzo Ball.
The Utah Jazz recently waived Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, after landing there in a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cleveland sent Ball and two second-round picks to Utah, while the Jazz also received cash considerations from Atlanta in exchange for center Jock Landale.
Ball’s availability is notable given his recent history. After enduring three arthroscopic knee surgeries, Ball made an unprecedented return last season. His comeback was one of the league’s more remarkable medical stories.
However, the 28-year-old guard has struggled to regain form. In Cleveland, Ball averaged a career-low 4.6 points, shooting 30 percent from the field and below 30 percent from three-point range, prompting questions about both health and fit.
Warriors Emerge as Surprise Contender
Fischer previously indicated Ball was not a lock to join his younger brother, LaMelo Ball, in Charlotte, instead hinting that a Western Conference contender was in play.
“I’ve heard Lonzo Ball is in play for a Western Conference contender,” Fischer said during Bleacher Report’s post-deadline livestream. “That’s one of the more interesting dynamics for him.”
The Warriors created roster flexibility at the deadline by moving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in the deal that brought in Kristaps Porziņģis, and by sending Trayce Jackson-Davis out for a future second-round pick.
Pat Spencer’s Breakout Forces Decision
While Ball represents upside and pedigree, Spencer has forced the Warriors’ hand through production.
The undrafted guard—who famously pivoted from a professional lacrosse career—has been one of Golden State’s most reliable energy pieces this season. In 36 games, Spencer is averaging 5.8 points and 2.9 assists in 14.4 minutes.
He saved his best for last as he came through Thursday in a 101–97 comeback win in Phoenix, when—with Stephen Curry sidelined by knee soreness—Spencer erupted for a career-high 20 points, knocking down 6 of 10 three-pointers.
Spencer has now exhausted the 50-game limit allowed for two-way players, meaning the Warriors must either convert him or risk losing him.
“I don’t know if relief is the right word,” Spencer said afterward. “Business is business. We’ll figure it out. But I’m beyond thankful for this organization and the opportunity they’ve given me.”
Crowded Backcourt Raises Questions
Golden State’s backcourt is already deep, featuring Curry, De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and rookie Will Richard.
Adding both Spencer and Ball would push the Warriors even further toward a guard-heavy roster—raising legitimate questions about role clarity and lineup balance.
Yet the calculus is clear. Spencer offers continuity, shooting confidence, and system familiarity. Ball offers defensive instincts, passing vision, and the tantalizing possibility of rediscovering his pre-injury form in a winning environment.
With two roster spots and multiple paths available, the Warriors now face a familiar choice: reward what’s working—or gamble on what once was.