No more outside support forthcoming as targets shun Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors’ hopes of back-to-back championships officially lie with who they have right now. That may have always been the case, but the thought of any meaningful help through the buyout market is now over.

Of course, the reigning champions hope to welcome back Gary Payton II at some point in the coming months. Yet with a couple of suitable targets on the free agent table, and a vacant 15th spot on their roster, there was thought the Warriors could add more than just the defensive specialist.

After Kevin Love and Patrick Beverley announced their new destinations, the Golden State Warriors are left to fight with their current roster.

Kevin Love remains in the Eastern Conference after a move to the Miami Heat, while Patrick Beverley has joined the Chicago Bulls. The latter confirmed his choice came down to his hometown team and Golden State, with the Warriors missing out on Beverley’s services.

Beverley’s admission at least signals that Golden State had an offer on the table, demonstrating their willingness to add someone should they believe them worthwhile. Although the Warriors’ stack of guards was one of the reasons why Beverley turned his back on them, he would have been a nice addition particularly in the current absence of Payton and two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Now while there may be some options left in the buyout market, there’s really no one that’s going to be making a sizeable difference. Serge Ibaka or Nerlens Noel could provide some size and interior presence, but are they really going to be part of a playoff rotation?

It’s not the biggest deal in the world, it just lessens Golden State’s insurance in case of injury. With Payton they have a solid nine-man rotation assuming availability, and it’s that group that will determine the fate of the Warriors season.