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Golden State Warriors: Alex Abrines could be the quintessential buyout target

By Nathan Beighle

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the game on March 20, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the game on March 20, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Thunder waived guard Alex Abrines. In his third professional season, the 25-year-old is the quintessential buyout target for the Golden State Warriors.

The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Alex Abrines in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Now, in the midst of his third season, the team has waived him. For the Golden State Warriors, there may not be a better target on the market.

Abrines, 25, has made a living through his first three seasons as a quality, playmaking sharpshooter. While the Thunder saved nearly $10 million by waiving him, it did add another sniper to the buyout market.

The Thunder likely waived Abrines because they didn’t see the long-term value in retaining him. In his third year, Abrines was having arguably his worst season in the NBA. Amidst personal issues,  Abrines was struggling to find consistency on the court.

He averaged just over five points per game. It was higher than his average last season, but it didn’t seem quite like the growth that the Thunder expected. He was getting marginally better each season, and the Thunder seemed to expect more.

They waived him. He’s going to be on the open market. How does that factor into being a perfect target for Golden State?

Well, the Warriors,  who haven’t made an in-season trade in years, were again inactive at the trade deadline. Did we really expect anything different though? They did surprisingly have interest in Wesley Matthews and Rodney Hood.

What that tells us is that the Warriors crave a backup shooting guard. There isn’t a true backup for Klay Thompson.  Right now, the Warriors get by with having Quinn Cook and Shaun Livingston cover the position, but they clearly would like a true backup shooting guard.

Abrines knows his role, has played with superstars, and can shoot. Those three traits make him an ideal addition. This season, he’s averaging 1.3 threes per game, although he’s shooting under 35% from downtown.

In Golden State, he should get cleaner looks and should be able to shoot higher percentages. This season has been a struggle this season, and it’s clear that Abrines is struggling. In year’s prior, he averaged around 38% from deep.

If that Abrines can come back, the Warriors would get a steal. Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George, it’s likely Abrines understands when to shine and when to play passively. That’s an important understanding for a player coming into that potential role.

dark. Next. Warriors: Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson, who gets the max?

Being able to connect from deep and understanding how to play with other ball-dominant players is exactly why the Dubs should take a chance on Abrines.

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