Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry (Image via: Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors may look to the buyout market to strengthen their bench before the playoffs, and veteran guard Eric Gordon has surfaced as a possible option. His situation changed quickly at the trade deadline, and he is now expected to become available if he clears waivers.Golden State still runs its offense through Stephen Curry, but the roster could use another experienced perimeter shooter who understands spacing and playoff basketball. If Gordon reaches free agency, the Warriors have both the roster space and financial room to consider a short-term deal.

Why Eric Gordon could hit free agency

Eric Gordon is no longer connected to the Houston Rockets. He was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Memphis Grizzlies at the deadline, and Memphis waived him to remove his $2.3 million cap hit. After the 48-hour waiver period, he can sign with any team if unclaimed.The Warriors have been linked to several veteran buyout candidates, and Gordon is viewed as one of the players who could fill their final roster spot. This would not involve a trade. Instead, it would likely be a minimum-salary signing that places the 37-year-old alongside Curry after years of competing against him.

How the signing process works

Memphis placed Eric Gordon on waivers, giving teams two days to claim his contract. If no team does, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.Golden State has about one open roster slot following recent additions such as Pat Spencer and Quinten Post, so no corresponding move would be required. Even as a tax-paying team, the Warriors can manage Gordon’s $2,296,274 salary as a depth addition.

Why Golden State Warriors would consider the move

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry vs the Houston Rockets (Image via Getty)

The Golden State Warriors do not have many off-ball guards who can consistently stretch the floor without slowing ball movement. Gordon fits that role.He has averaged 15.2 points and 2.7 assists across 931 career games and has long been known as a catch-and-shoot threat. Gordon has played 18 NBA seasons and was part of several deep playoff runs with Houston, which aligns with Golden State’s focus on competing now. The cost is low and does not affect long-term planning.During a brief stretch with Philadelphia in the 2025–26 season, Gordon shot 57.1% from the field in six games, showing he can still contribute in limited minutes.

Offensive fit next to Stephen Curry

Curry’s game depends on movement and spacing, and Gordon supports both. He is a career 37% three-point shooter who can make teams pay for sending extra defenders toward Curry.Gordon has built a reputation as a player defenders cannot leave alone, which helps create driving lanes for Curry and Jimmy Butler. At this stage of his career, he is comfortable coming off the bench and shooting without needing the ball often. Placing him behind Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield could help stabilize second-unit scoring.

Pros and cons of adding Eric Gordon

Pros

• Adds spacing and reduces defensive pressure on Curry and Butler • Brings playoff experience, including Houston’s 2018 Western Conference Finals run against Golden State • Requires only a small financial commitment

Cons

• Durability is a concern at age 37, likely limiting him to about 15–20 minutes per game • No longer a strong defender and could be targeted in switches • Golden State already has several guards, which could make minutes harder to distribute

Demographics and expected role

Gordon was born on December 25, 1988, and is in his 18th NBA season after playing for Houston, the Clippers, the Suns, the 76ers, and Memphis. He is a right-handed shooting guard listed at about 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. While he has enough strength to handle contact, he is not suited to guard top perimeter scorers.If he joins Golden State, his role would likely be clear: a bench scorer playing around 15–20 minutes, a three-point specialist who works off screens, and a veteran presence for younger guards such as Podziemski, Will Richard, and Spencer.

Who benefits if the deal happens

Golden State Warriors would add an experienced shooter who fits into its system without changing the core rotation. If healthy, Gordon could help in close playoff games.For Gordon, the move would offer another chance to compete for a title in a defined role. Philadelphia cleared luxury-tax space with the trade, while Memphis gained a future second-round pick swap, making the decision largely financial for both teams.

My final thoughts on this mock trade

The Golden State Warriors’ interest is still a rumor, but the fit makes sense. A team that needs shooting and experience could address both with a low-cost signing.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to sign $186 million Milwaukee Bucks superstar to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka DoncicIf Gordon clears waivers and Golden State signs him, the move would be practical. It would give the Warriors another reliable shooter while keeping their roster flexible for the postseason.