Key Highlights
- The Golden State Warriors have waived guards LJ Cryer and Seth Curry just days before the regular season.
- Curry is expected to return to the team next month after the Warriors gain financial flexibility.
- Seth Curry, an 11-year NBA veteran, averaged 6.5 points per game last season with the Charlotte Hornets.
- The Warriors are hard-capped at the second apron and need to bring Seth Curry back on November 2 or later for financial reasons.
Breaking Down the Roster Move
The Golden State Warriors have made a surprising move ahead of their upcoming season by waiving two players: guards LJ Cryer and Seth Curry. This decision comes just days before the start of the regular season, which is unusual but not unprecedented in professional sports.
Cryer’s Departure
LJ Cryer, who signed with the Warriors on September 29th, played in five preseason games this year, averaging 5.0 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game over nine minutes of action. Despite his efforts during the preseason, Cryer was released by the team.
Curry’s Situation
The more significant move involves Seth Curry, who is the younger brother of Golden State’s star player, Steph Curry. Seth Curry, an 11-year NBA veteran with a solid track record, did not participate in any preseason games. His release was expected due to financial constraints imposed by the team’s hard cap situation.
Finding Financial Flexibility
The Warriors are currently at their maximum salary cap, also known as the “hard cap,” which limits them from bringing back Seth Curry until early November when they gain sufficient financial flexibility. According to NBA insider March Stein, the team has every intention of re-signing Curry next month once this condition is met.
Curry’s Recent Performance
Before his departure, Seth Curry spent time at the Warriors’ facility working out with the team. He previously played for the Golden State G-League team and had a stint in Charlotte last season where he averaged 6.5 points per game and shot 45.6% from beyond the arc.
Team Dynamics
The Warriors’ roster now stands at 17 players, with a 15th spot remaining open until Seth Curry’s return. This move could impact team dynamics and chemistry as the team prepares for the upcoming season. However, it aligns with the organization’s strategy to ensure financial stability while still retaining key personnel.
Future Implications
The release of Seth Curry underscores the financial challenges that teams face in the NBA, where cap management is crucial. This move by the Warriors could set a precedent for other teams looking to make roster adjustments before the regular season begins. It also highlights how personal connections and family ties can sometimes play into team decisions, as seen with the Curry brothers.
For now, fans and analysts will be keeping an eye on how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks, with all eyes on when Seth Curry is brought back to the Golden State roster.
As the regular season approaches, every player’s status remains crucial for the team’s success.
The Golden State Warriors are no stranger to making strategic moves that can significantly impact their performance throughout the season. This latest adjustment will be closely watched as it could influence the team’s depth and competitiveness in one of the most competitive conferences in the NBA.
