The Golden State Warriors have officially waived guards Seth Curry and LJ Cryer, the team announced Tuesday. The move reduces the Warriors’ roster as they finalize their lineup ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Both players, who had been competing for playing time in the backcourt, will now explore opportunities with other teams. This roster adjustment reflects the Warriors’ ongoing strategy to optimize their squad around their core stars while managing salary and roster flexibility.
Warriors Make Roster Moves Waiving Seth Curry and LJ Cryer
The Golden State Warriors have officially waived guards Seth Curry and LJ Cryer as part of their ongoing roster adjustments this offseason. This move reflects the team’s effort to streamline their backcourt and allocate minutes and resources for emerging talent and potential new acquisitions. Curry, known for his sharpshooting and experience, appeared in limited action with the Warriors last season, while Cryer, a promising young guard, had been aiming to solidify his spot in the rotation.
With these roster changes, the Warriors are focusing on balancing veteran presence with developmental players. This decision aligns with the franchise’s strategy to nurture long-term competitiveness while maintaining flexibility. Here’s a quick overview of the players’ recent contributions:
| Player | Last Season Avg | 3P % | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seth Curry | 6.7 PPG | 41.5% | 41 |
| LJ Cryer | 1.9 PPG | 35.0% | 12 |
- Team flexibility: This roster move frees up cap space and opens up roster spots.
- Upcoming focus: Development of younger guards and potential free agent signings.
- Strategic direction: Emphasizing a faster-paced, versatile backcourt.
Impact on Team Depth and Backcourt Dynamics
The Warriors’ decision to waive guards Seth Curry and LJ Cryer inevitably reshapes the team’s bench structure and backcourt rotation. Curry, a seasoned shooter and playmaker, brought experience and floor spacing that complemented Golden State’s fast-paced style. Meanwhile, Cryer, a promising rookie, offered youthful energy and defensive potential during limited minutes. Their departures open up spots for younger talent or perhaps another veteran acquisition as the Warriors seek to balance scoring depth and defensive versatility on the perimeter.
This roster adjustment signals a strategic pivot for the Warriors, who will now rely more heavily on their core guards, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, to shoulder offensive responsibilities. The vacuum left behind extends opportunity for players such as Jordan Poole and newly signed contributors to assert themselves. Key impacts moving forward include:
- Increased minutes for primary ball handlers, demanding endurance and consistency.
- Greater responsibility on secondary guards to provide reliable defense and playmaking.
- Potential shifts in rotation patterns to encourage quicker offensive sets and dynamic switching on defense.
| Guard | Before Waivers | After Waivers |
|---|---|---|
| Seth Curry | Role Player, Shooter | Waived |
| LJ Cryer | Rookie Depth | Waived |
| Stephen Curry | Core Starter, Primary Ball Handler | Core Starter, Primary Ball Handler |
| Klay Thompson | Core Starter, Shooter/Secondary Playmaker | Core Starter, Shooter/Secondary Playmaker |
| Jordan Poole | Emerging Scorer, Bench Contributor | Increased Role, Key Offensive Contributor |
What This Means for Warriors’ Strategy Moving Forward
The decision to waive Seth Curry and LJ Cryer signals a clear pivot in the Warriors’ approach to backcourt depth and rotational flexibility. With Curry’s departure, Golden State appears to be prioritizing younger, more versatile guards who can contribute both offensively and defensively, aligning with their evolving pace-and-space identity. This move also frees up valuable cap space, allowing the front office to explore mid-season acquisitions or invest further in player development programs focused on enhancing guard versatility.
Key strategic implications include:
- Increased reliance on emerging talents such as young guards from their G-League affiliate and recent draft picks.
- Enhanced roster flexibility to adjust lineups quickly in response to opponent matchups or injury scenarios.
- Potential shift in playing style, emphasizing quicker ball movement and multi-positional guard roles.
| Roster Aspect | Before Waivers | After Waivers |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced Backcourt Depth | High (Seth Curry, LJ Cryer) | Moderate (younger guards stepping up) |
| Cap Space | Limited | Increased |
| Roster Agility | Standard | Enhanced |
Insights and Conclusions
The Golden State Warriors’ decision to waive guards Seth Curry and LJ Cryer marks a notable shift in the team’s roster strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the Warriors focusing on maximizing their roster flexibility and developing younger talent, these moves underscore the franchise’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. As the team moves forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the Warriors’ performance on the court.
