Pat Spencer, Warriors
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Pat Spencer of the Golden State Warriors reacts in front of Adem Bona of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Golden State Warriors still have one open roster spot, but it appears increasingly unlikely that it will be filled by Lonzo Ball.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Golden State is backing away from its previously reported interest in signing Ball from the buyout market after converting Pat Spencer from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract.
“There were some fresh rumbles over the weekend that the Warriors might opt not to sign Lonzo Ball in the end after converting Pat Spencer from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract,” Stein wrote Monday in The Stein Line. “(Chris) Haynes reported that multiple teams are reviewing Ball’s medicals to determine whether to sign the veteran guard, who became a free agent after Cleveland dealt him to Utah to lower its luxury tax bill.”
Warriors’ Buyout Strategy Appears to Shift
NBA insider Jake Fischer first reported Golden State’s interest in Ball on Saturday after the Warriors opened two roster spots at the trade deadline.
Those spots were created 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.
Instead of immediately filling both openings, the Warriors chose to lock in Spencer after he reached the 50-game limit for two-way players, signaling confidence in an internal option over a medical gamble.
Lonzo Ball’s Complicated Medical Picture
Ball’s availability remains one of the more complex stories on the buyout market.
After undergoing three arthroscopic knee surgeries, Ball completed a rare and medically notable return to the court last season. However, the results have been uneven. In Cleveland, the 29-year-old averaged a career-low 4.6 points per game, shooting 30 percent from the field and below 30 percent from three-point range.
Those numbers, combined with lingering durability questions, have prompted teams — including Golden State — to proceed cautiously as they evaluate whether Ball can meaningfully contribute this season.
Pat Spencer Earns Warriors’ Trust — and a Roster Spot
Spencer’s conversion to a standard contract reflects a season-long buildup of trust from coach Steve Kerr.
The undrafted guard — once the nation’s top-ranked lacrosse player — has emerged as one of Golden State’s most dependable energy pieces amid a season defined by injuries.
In 36 games, Spencer is averaging 5.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game, including five starts. In those starts, he posted 14.6 points, 5.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while shooting 54.2 percent from three-point range.
He saved his most impactful performance for Thursday’s 101–97 comeback win in Phoenix, when — with Stephen Curry sidelined — Spencer erupted for a career-high 20 points, knocking down six of 10 three-pointers.
Spencer’s Role Grows With Curry Still Out
Spencer’s promotion comes at a critical juncture for the Warriors, who remain without Curry for a fourth straight game.
The franchise star is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee — an overuse condition distinct from the bilateral knee tendinitis he managed earlier last season.
Orthopedic specialists describe runner’s knee as causing pain at the front of the knee, discomfort during jumping or landing, difficulty walking downstairs, and stiffness after prolonged sitting. The condition often requires careful load management to prevent flare-ups.
Kerr acknowledged over the weekend that Curry’s return is unlikely before the All-Star break.
“I think he’s doubtful,” Kerr said, via NBC Sports Bay Area, before Saturday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. “There’s a good chance that he doesn’t play until after the break. We’re going to take it day by day.”
Bigger Picture for Golden State
With Curry sidelined and the postseason race tightening, the Warriors appear increasingly inclined to value reliability and continuity over speculative upside.
By converting Spencer and hesitating on Ball, Golden State is signaling a preference for players who already understand Kerr’s system — and who can be trusted immediately — as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.
Whether the final roster spot remains open or is eventually filled remains unresolved. For now, the Warriors’ direction is clear: stability over uncertainty as they await the return of their franchise cornerstone.