The Warriors have suddenly found themselves staring at a familiar name with real upside, and this time Walter Clayton Jr. is actually available.
Memphis waived the former first-rounder on Monday after a roster squeeze left the Grizzlies unable to swing a trade for him. Clayton was released alongside former New Orleans Pelicans wing Micah Peavy as the season approached.
Golden State’s interest in Clayton isn’t new. The Warriors liked him in the pre-draft process last year, and there were even whispers they might trade back into the first round after sending away their own 20th overall pick to the Miami Heat in the Jimmy Butler trade.
Now, less than 18 months later, Clayton could be there for the taking. In theory, Golden State could land him on a two-way deal after once considering using a future first-round pick to chase him.
It’s not often a player taken in the top 20 gets cut loose before the start of his second season. Clayton originally signed a four-year, $19.3 million contract with the Utah Jazz, though only the first two years were guaranteed.
That kind of move is bound to draw attention around the league, and Clayton may have to settle for a two-way contract, much like Jordan Hawkins did after the Grizzlies moved on from him earlier this month.
Golden State, though, has a complication of its own: no open standard roster spot. The Warriors have already confirmed Brandon Williams will be on the team and in the rotation for Wednesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams signed a completely non-guaranteed minimum deal in August.
Still, Clayton would make sense as a player to kick the tires on. The Warriors could offer him a two-way spot, and he’d bring more guard upside than LJ Cryer. He could also fit in if Golden State wanted to keep both young guards and move on from Malevy Leons.
There’s another small connection in Golden State’s favor, too. Clayton and Will Richard were championship teammates at Florida.
Clayton’s rookie season produced 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game across his time with the Jazz and Grizzlies. He became part of the February trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.
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