The Golden State Warriors are once again at the center of NBA speculation as they look to solidify their roster for the stretch run of the 2025-26 season. After a flurry of trade deadline activity and a series of unfortunate injuries, the Warriors find themselves with just one open roster spot and a host of pressing questions. With the buyout market heating up, all eyes are on Golden State’s next move—and the name at the top of their list is none other than Lonzo Ball.
The Warriors’ recent transactions have set the stage for this pivotal moment. On February 8, 2026, Golden State converted Pat Spencer’s two-way contract to a standard deal, utilizing one of the two open roster spots they created by sending Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. Spencer had reached the 50-game limit on his two-way deal, making the upgrade a necessity to keep him eligible for the remainder of the season. That leaves one final spot for the Warriors to fill, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Injuries have ravaged the Warriors’ depth chart, turning what was once a championship-contending roster into a team fighting to stay afloat in the Western Conference playoff race. Jimmy Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL, a devastating blow that has left a gaping hole in Golden State’s wing rotation. Stephen Curry, the heartbeat of the franchise, continues to battle runner’s knee with no clear return timeline. And Kristaps Porzingis, the team’s marquee trade acquisition, has missed a staggering 100 games over the past two and a half seasons due to various injuries. The need for immediate help is urgent.
Enter the buyout market—a last-chance saloon for teams seeking reinforcements. The Warriors have reportedly narrowed their focus to five candidates: Lonzo Ball, Haywood Highsmith, Chris Boucher, Cam Thomas, and Eric Gordon. Each brings a unique skill set, but it’s Ball who has emerged as the frontrunner.
Lonzo Ball’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. On February 5, 2026, Ball was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz and was waived by Utah the same day. The Cavaliers, desperate to clear salary, included two second-round picks just to move his contract. Ball’s time in Cleveland was short and unremarkable, as the team’s win-now mentality left little room for a player still regaining his rhythm after missing two and a half seasons with severe knee issues, including a cartilage transplant.
Despite the setbacks, Ball remains just 28 years old and, if healthy, could have a decade of NBA basketball ahead of him. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, “Golden State has its sights set on adding Lonzo Ball via the buyout market.” The Warriors’ interest is hardly surprising. Ball’s size (6-foot-5), defensive instincts, and playmaking ability are tailor-made for Steve Kerr’s motion offense. He can defend bigger guards, push the pace in transition, and make the simple passes that keep Golden State’s offense humming.
The numbers, however, tell a story of a player still searching for his form. Ball is averaging just 4.6 points per game this season on 33.9% shooting from the field and 31.3% from three-point range—a far cry from his pre-injury production with the Chicago Bulls, when he averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals. The concern is whether defenses will respect his shot. If not, they’ll go under screens and clog the lane, making life even tougher for Curry and Porzingis.
Yet, the Warriors don’t need Ball to be a star. They need him to fill a defined role—spot minutes where his size, defensive versatility, and secondary ball-handling can stabilize the team during critical stretches. “Lonzo’s pass-first, high-pace approach would theoretically mesh well with Curry in a backcourt,” one analyst noted. “Ball also provides the length and athleticism (despite the injury history) that could add some defensive security beside Curry, who’s never been an elite defender.”
If Ball can recapture even a fraction of his former self, he could become a valuable rotation piece for a team desperately seeking stability. The Warriors, eighth in the Western Conference with a 28-25 record, are currently locked into a play-in tournament appearance unless they can string together wins over the final two months. With Butler out and Curry’s status uncertain, depth is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Of course, Ball isn’t the only option. Haywood Highsmith, recently waived by the Miami Heat after meniscus surgery, is reportedly healthy and ready to contribute. Known for his defense and 38.1% three-point shooting over the past two seasons, Highsmith would address Golden State’s glaring need for wing depth. The competition for his services is fierce, with multiple contenders able to offer more lucrative deals than the Warriors, who are limited to the veteran minimum.
Chris Boucher, waived by the Jazz after a brief stint with the Boston Celtics, brings energy and activity off the bench. His best years came with the Toronto Raptors, and he could fill the backup center role vacated by Jackson-Davis. Cam Thomas, a 24-year-old shot creator, offers offensive firepower but comes with defensive liabilities and a recent hamstring injury. Eric Gordon, a proven veteran and career 37.5% three-point shooter, could provide much-needed spacing, though his defense is a concern.
Each candidate carries risks and rewards. For the Warriors, the decision could determine whether they make noise in the postseason or fade quietly into the offseason. “Ultimately, the Warriors need to inject some fun back into their franchise and brand,” one observer remarked. “Say what you want about Lonzo, but his style of play is entertaining. Lonzo is a good basketball and personality fit in Golden State.”
The Warriors’ championship window may be narrowing, but with the right addition, there’s still hope for a deep playoff run. The buyout market is ripe with possibilities, and Golden State’s front office is on the clock. Will they roll the dice on Lonzo Ball’s upside, or will they pivot to a safer, more established veteran? The answer could shape the remainder of their season—and perhaps the future of the franchise.
For now, the Warriors’ search continues. With roster flexibility and a desperate need for depth, Golden State is poised to make a move that could define the rest of their campaign. The fans are watching, the league is buzzing, and the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned as the Warriors look to turn adversity into opportunity and keep their playoff hopes alive.