Warriors Best Buyout Candidates Who Can Give Them Instant Championship Boost

Ben Simmons is by far the most intriguing name on the buyout market. Despite a massive drop-off in production over recent years, his talent as a playmaker and defender makes him worth a gamble for the new-look Warriors after getting bought out by the Nets. 

Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in just 33 games this season, but his skill set could thrive in a reduced role on a contending team where he isn’t required to be the primary option. His ability to defend multiple positions and initiate fast breaks is still elite when healthy, and he could help Stephen Curry operate offensively a little bit better.

With lower expectations, Simmons could focus on what he does best: being an elite distributor and switchable defender. For a team making a final push for a championship, his upside outweighs the risk.

2. Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon is one of the most reliable guards on the buyout market, offering playmaking, scoring, and leadership so he fits with the Warriors. He’s averaging 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 21 games for the Wizards this season and brings the kind of steady two-way presence contending teams crave.

No doubt, Brogdon's skillset doesn't fit with the tanking Wizards' long-term plans and he could be on the way out if he is bought out of his $22.5 million deal. The wing player has plenty of experience playing for better teams including the contending Boston Celtics in 2022-23. 

Brogdon’s ability to create offense both on and off the ball makes him a seamless fit with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, and his high basketball IQ and shooting touch make him invaluable in playoff situations. Brogdon has proven he can step up in big moments, and he would provide an instant boost to the Warriors’ championship aspirations.

3. Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown is the epitome of versatility, and his skill set would fit seamlessly with the Warriors’ system. Brown thrives in transition and can guard multiple positions, making him a perfect fit for a title contender. That is why the tanking Pelicans could end up buying Brown out of his $23 million deal. 

His experience playing alongside superstars like Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant makes him an ideal fit for Golden State’s motion-heavy offense, where quick decision-making and off-ball movement are essential. With his averages of 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, Brown would bolster the Warriors’ depth and provide a defensive edge against top perimeter threats.

Brown’s defensive intensity would take pressure off Draymond Green a little bit, allowing them to focus more on their offensive production. Offensively, his ability to finish at the rim and hit timely shots could help bridge scoring gaps when the second unit is on the floor.

4. Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic would give the Warriors exactly what they need—consistent scoring and veteran leadership. Though injuries have limited his availability this season, his career averages (15.0 PPG on 39.4% 3PT shooting) show he’s still one of the league’s most reliable sharpshooters when healthy. Considering he hasn't played, the Nets might end up buying him out of his $19 million contract. 

As the Warriors’ offense relies heavily on floor spacing and three-point shooting, Bogdanovic would fit like a glove in Steve Kerr’s system. His ability to stretch the floor would open up driving lanes for Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler while also punishing teams that try to double Curry off screens.

Bogdanovic’s proven playoff performer experience would also make him invaluable. Adding Bogdanovic could elevate the Warriors’ bench scoring and improve their chances against top-tier Western Conference opponents just a little bit more and a minimum deal for a 35-year-old isn’t the worst business to be made at all.

5. Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis fills a critical gap in the Warriors’ rotation as a rugged, defensive-minded big man who can also contribute offensively. With Golden State lacking size and rim protection behind Kevon Looney, Theis could become a reliable backup center who brings experience and toughness to the paint.

Averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds this season, Theis was waived off his minimum contract by the OKC Thunder after being traded by the New Orleans Pelicans. Theis’ numbers don’t fully reflect his impact—he’s a gritty defender, a strong screener, and an excellent communicator on defense. 

In addition to his defensive contributions, Theis is an underrated offensive piece who can hit mid-range shots and finish efficiently around the basket. His playoff experience with Boston adds another layer of value, as he understands the intensity and adjustments needed during a championship run.