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Golden State Warriors linked to buyout option as potential Payton replacement

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball as LeBron James #6 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers defend during the 1st half of the game at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball as LeBron James #6 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers defend during the 1st half of the game at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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It looked like the Golden State Warriors had solidified their guard rotation in a move to reunite with Gary Payton II in the final hour before the trade deadline on Thursday. However, the medical staff’s assessment of the 30-year-old has found he could be out for the next three months in a cruel blow to both player and team.

Even before Payton’s acquisition, Golden State have an excellent four-man guard rotation that includes future hall of famers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, rising star Jordan Poole, and savvy offseason pickup Donte DiVincenzo.

If the Golden State Warriors believe they need further insurance at the guard position, Patrick Beverley could be on their radar as a buyout option.

Curry’s current leg injury has two-way player Ty Jerome eating 15-20 minutes behind Poole as the backup point-guard. The uncertainty of the two-time MVP, along with Payton, could force Golden State into another direction, with a number of buyout options likely to become available over the next fortnight.

Speaking on the ramifications of the Payton deal, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said, “they’ll (Golden State) get out in the buyout market, perhaps a guard like Patrick Beverley might be on their radar.”

Patrick Beverley guarding Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry in his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Patrick Beverley guarding Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry in his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Beverley will finalize a buyout with the Orlando Magic after he was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for big man Mohamed Bamba on Thursday. The 34-year-old has been a controversial character across his 11 seasons in the NBA, but there’s no doubt he’s been a valuable member of playoff-level teams in the past.

Despite starting in all 45 games he played, Beverley’s time with the Lakers didn’t go according to plan. He did average 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 26.9 minutes per game, shooting 34.8% from three-point range. He could still be a handy pickup for a contending team, though Golden State are unlikely suitors.

There’s optimism the Warriors could still regain Payton by the postseason should they make it, and once that happens, the duo would practically make each other redundant given their similar styles as defensive specialists. Would Beverley provide enough value in the meantime? Probably not for it to be truly worth it.

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The reigning champions should certainly be active in the buyout market, but their priorities should lie firstly in a backup big, and/or acquiring a bigger two-way wing after the failed pursuit of O.G Anunoby prior to the deadline.

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