The Memphis Grizzlies made the notable, but not entirely surprising decision to waive Walter Clayton Jr. on Monday, giving the Golden State Warriors a clear opportunity to upgrade their guard rotation on the eve of the season.
The Warriors' have announced their opening night roster but could be swayed by Clayton's sudden availability as a free agent, having shown interest in the 6'4" guard during the pre-draft process last year.
Walter Clayton Jr. would provide Warriors a clear upgrade over LJ Cryer
Clayton still has the talent and future potential to suggest he'll get snapped up by another front office rather quickly, though he may have to settle for a two-way contract given many teams, including Golden State, don't have any main roster spots available.
If that is the case, landing Clayton on a two-way deal and replacing LJ Cryer would be a clear upgrade for the Warriors, both from a short and long-term outlook after he was drafted 18th overall by the Utah Jazz less than 18 months ago.
Clayton did have his struggles shooting the ball during his rookie year, but he also averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists, showing flashes of the long-term point guard many envisioned coming out of the draft.
Cryer, on the other hand, has gone off the radar after a positive end to his rookie year, followed by an impressive summer league campaign that culminated in a championship. His 7.1 minutes across six preseason games ranked only in front of Alex Toohey and Tyler Burton, both of who have since been waived and won't make the opening night roster.
The 24-year-old also has some potential as a deadeye 3-point shooter, yet his lack of playing time during preseason and lack of subsequent impact -- he shot only 15.4% from three -- would suggest he's not part of Golden State's plans right now.
Warriors could also replace Malevy Leons with Walter Clayton Jr.
If the Warriors feel like they need some extra guard depth with minor injury concerns to both Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski on the eve of the season, they could keep Cryer and sign Clayton to replace Malevy Leons.
Leons' presence on a two-way contract has been a point of contention among the fanbase, but Golden State would likely prefer to keep a forward/wing type given long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Even still, having Clayton over Leons would also be a major upgrade.
The Warriors need to capitalize on the fact Clayton is now available for essentially free, even if it means they have to say a brutal goodbye to Cryer or Leons in the proccess.
Add us as a preferred source on Google