While the Golden State Warriors still technically have an open roster spot given Brandon Williams is on a non-guaranteed contract, the Memphis Grizzlies are facing an enormous roster squeeze with no less than 19 players under contract.
The Grizzlies acquired Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, leaving for some brutal roster decisions ahead that the Warriors could potentially take advantage of as they finalize their squad for training camp.
Grizzlies roster crunch may gift Warriors intriguing free agency addition
Memphis will now need to waive no less than four players, resulting in a strong likelihood that a talented and intriguing young player hits free agency on the eve of the season. After signing Williams and former first round pick Dalen Terry, Golden State could add to the training camp/preseason battle with another player that unexpectedly becomes available.
Walter Clayton Jr. would undoubtedly be the most interesting player to become available, having been taken 18th overall by the Utah Jazz less than 15 months ago. The Warriors had interest in trading into the first round for Clayton at the 2025 draft, and would foreseeably have interest once again if he suddenly became available as a free agent.
But Clayton isn’t the only player who may be waived that would be an interesting addition to the Warriors. Hawkins, for example, might have some untapped potential as a former lottery pick who’s shooting hasn’t quite translated as a 34.8% marksman from beyond the arc through his first three years.
Former ninth overall pick Taylor Hendricks showed some promising signs in his 26 games with the Grizzlies to end last season, and at 22-years-old could still be worth a flyer for a rival team should he become available.
Keep 2, Cut 4: Final Roster Edition #GrindCity
— SleeperGrizzlies (@SleeperMemphis) September 8, 2026
D'Angelo Russell Jordan Hawkins
Micah Peavy Kris Murray
Walter Clayton Jr. Taylor Hendricks pic.twitter.com/3q8c03yCIh
Warriors might be happy with their current young core
Clayton is the one player the Warriors would likely show interest in if the Grizzlies surprisingly moved on, but otherwise Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office might be happy with their young core entering the season.
Golden State will be desperate for further development from Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos after their strong finishes to last season, while a lot of focus will be on 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg who could be bound for a starting role come opening night should he continue his impressive form from summer league into preseason and training camp.
Still, if the Warriors are willing to take a gamble on Terry despite his underwhelming career numbers through four years, it might be worth monitoring the Grizzlies’ situation to see who is ultimately moved on.
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