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Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the bench.
The Golden State Warriors’ search for positional size and perimeter defense continued this week as Jeremy Sochan and Haywood Highsmith landed elsewhere, leaving Golden State still without a long, switchable wing defender it has prioritized since trading Andrew Wiggins last season.
Both players were viewed leaguewide as cost-efficient defensive upgrades capable of guarding multiple positions — a profile the Warriors have aggressively pursued since acquiring Jimmy Butler in the Wiggins deal.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Highsmith agreed to a multiyear contract with the Phoenix Suns after drawing interest from multiple playoff teams, while Sochan joined the New York Knicks following his release from San Antonio.
Sochan had 10 interested suitors before choosing New York, according to Charania, underscoring how competitive the market was for defensive-minded wings at the buyout stage. Charania did not specify whether the Warriors were among the teams that expressed interest in both forwards.
Warriors’ Need for Wing Size Remains Unresolved
Since moving Wiggins, Golden State has struggled to consistently match up with bigger wings in playoff-style settings. Internally, the organization has emphasized the need for defenders who can switch across positions, absorb physical matchups on the perimeter, and still function within the Warriors’ offensive system.
Sochan and Highsmith fit that description. Neither is considered a primary offensive option, but both bring size, defensive versatility, and lineup flexibility — attributes the Warriors have been seeking without sacrificing core rotation players or future assets.
Around the league, evaluators viewed both players as “plug-and-play” defenders — not stars, but functional answers to a problem Golden State has yet to solve.
Trey Murphy III Was Warriors’ Top 3-and-D Target
The Warriors’ preferred solution, however, was Trey Murphy III.
League sources previously confirmed that Golden State aggressively explored trade scenarios for Murphy, whom the organization identified as its top 3-and-D target. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors were prepared to offer a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga, an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, and a lightly protected 2028 first-rounder to the New Orleans Pelicans.
From the Golden State’s perspective, the offer represented significant value.
Why Golden State’s Trade Offer Stalled
Kuminga, a former No. 7 pick, has shown flashes of becoming a high-level contributor despite an inconsistent role in Golden State. An unprotected future first-round pick — particularly from a veteran-heavy roster that could face uncertainty in later seasons — carries considerable trade value. Including a second protected pick further strengthened the proposal.
Without the belief that Kuminga fit their long-term plans, New Orleans declined to advance talks despite the draft compensation attached.
The Warriors pivoted in an all-out chase of Giannis Antetokounmpo when the Milwaukee Bucks finally fielded calls for him closer to the trade deadline. But the Bucks decided to keep their franchise star for the remainder of the season and may revisit talks in the offseason depending on the season’s outcome.
Last week, the Warriors traded Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis.
Buyout Misses Reflect Cost of Failed Trade
After the Murphy and Antetokounmpo pursuit stalled, the buyout market became a logical fallback for Golden State.
Sochan and Highsmith represented lower-cost alternatives who could provide defensive size without costing draft capital.
While neither player offers Murphy’s shooting gravity or offensive ceiling, both would have supplied many of the defensive traits Golden State has struggled to replace since trading Wiggins.
Instead, both landed with rival contenders, further narrowing the Warriors’ options for the 15th roster spot as the postseason approaches.
Warriors’ Remaining Buyout Options for Final Roster Spot
With Sochan and Highsmith off the board, Golden State’s options to address its final roster opening have narrowed to a small group of veterans still available on the buyout market.
The Warriors continue to weigh fit, health, and positional need as they evaluate candidates for their 15th roster spot. Among the top remaining options:
Lonzo Ball, a defensive-minded guard whose availability hinges on medical clearance after extended knee issues
Chris Boucher, a high-energy frontcourt defender capable of rim protection and floor spacing
Eric Gordon, a veteran shooter with postseason experience and lineup flexibility
Georges Niang, a stretch forward valued for shooting and playoff reliability
Mason Plumlee, a veteran big man who provides size, screening, and interior depth
Dario Šarić, a familiar option who offers frontcourt versatility and passing
None of the remaining candidates fully address Golden State’s need for long, switchable wing defense, but each would fill a situational role as the Warriors look to stabilize their rotation for the stretch run.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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