The Warriors have signed Ben Gordon, the team announced via press release. Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported last week that they were close to a deal, and Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area later reported that a signing was on the way (Twitter link). It’s unclear what sort of guaranteed money, if any, is involved, though it’ll have to be for the minimum salary, since Golden State doesn’t have the ability to pay him more after spending most of its taxpayer’s mid-level exception on Leandro Barbosa.
The market for Gordon, 32, hadn’t been robust after the Magic released him in June, almost a year after signing him to a two-year, $9MM deal. Orlando gave Gordon the fewest minutes per game (14.1) of his 11-year career and, with the second year of his deal non-guaranteed, decided to cut ties, despite somewhat of a bounceback performance for the former third overall pick, who’d shot a career-worst 27.6% from behind the arc for Charlotte in 2013/14. The Warriors have reportedly been seeking an extra shooter, and Gordon, a 40.1% three-point marksman, nailed 36.1% of his long-range attempts this past season.
It’ll be an uphill battle for Gordon to make the opening night roster. Coach Steve Kerr is high on James Michael McAdoo, who has a partially guaranteed contract, and 13 others have fully guaranteed deals. The addition of Gordon brings Golden State to 20 players, the preseason limit.
Will Gordon stick for the regular season? Comment to give your input.
good move. barbosa is about done.
Don’t see Gordon making the roster. Undersized shooter and subpar defender. Really disappointed after a promising start with the Bulls — was never the same after signing with Pistons when Rip Hamilton was still around and expecting big minutes.