3 Golden State Warriors that Klay Thompson’s return would make expendable

Warriors’ player that is expendable if Klay Thompson returns: Alen Smailagić

The Golden State Warriors may have two lottery picks in the upcoming draft. If that is in fact the case, they’re either going to have to trade one or add at least two players to their 15-man roster.

With the return of Thompson, the Warriors won’t have much room on the roster for players to not contribute. While Alen Smailagić was once a protege for the Dubs, he hasn’t performed well yet, only really showing that potential in the G-League.

Smailagić averaged 1.5 points per game, playing in just 15 games this season. To be fair, he was in for under half a quarter per night, so it wasn’t necessarily his fault the numbers aren’t there, but he clearly must not have given Steve Kerr much of a reason to give him time.

The Warriors need their 15-man roster to be full of players that can contribute. They’ll have injuries next season, and if they don’t feel Smailagić can help a championship-contending roster, the experiment may be over.

It doesn’t have to be, but Thompson’s return will force the Warriors to step up their roster. That may be what helps the Warriors realize that they’ll need someone other than Smailagić on their second or third unit.