The Golden State Warriors are running out of time to make space for Ky Bowman and Damion Lee.
In this disappointing season for the Golden State Warriors, Ky Bowman and Damion Lee have been two bright spots.
Bowman and Lee have stepped up big time in light of all of the Warriors injuries. Though the Dubs have struggled early on and held the league’s worst record, these two have played a role in helping the Warriors win four consecutive games.
As of now, the Warriors have 16 total players on the roster. With Jordan Poole and Alen Smailagic spending time in the G-League, the Warriors have just enough space for Bowman and Lee to be on two-way contracts.
The Warriors have a roster issue descending on them quickly. Ky Bowman and Damion Lee, both two-way guys, are part of the current top-8 in their rotation. Lee starts, Bowman gets 20+ minutes. But after tonight (both will play), Bowman only has 11 days left and Lee only has 12.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 28, 2019
However, in roughly two weeks, both Bowman and Lee will see their contracts come to an end. This puts the Warriors in a sticky spot.
Bowman has proven to be a scrappy defender and a consistent shooter. Meanwhile, Lee is averaging a career-high 11.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Both players have been too valuable to let go for nothing.
The Dubs have a few options here. One of which is trading away a veteran player such as Alec Burks. According to Monte Poole of NBC, the Dubs are open to moving Burks if the correct deal is available.
This would be enough to open up roster spots and allow the Dubs to retain their lineup. However, the Warriors could also elect to cut a player to free up more space as well. Jacob Evans and Smailagic being the most likely candidates.
Of course, the Warriors can let Bowman and Lee go this season and hope to resign them in the summer with more official contracts. This is risky as plenty of teams will be looking to swoop up these promising prospects, but the Warriors could always test their luck.
Regardless, we will see Bowman and Lee look to help the team for as long as they are able to. Hopefully, the Warriors find a way to keep them.