In a surprising turn of events, the Golden State Warriors are parting ways with sharpshooting guard Lindy Waters III, who has inked a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, a rising force in the Western Conference. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news, noting that Waters, represented by Klutch Sports agents Shy Saee and Winston Nelson, has consistently shot an impressive 37% from beyond the arc over his four NBA seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Golden State Warriors.
While Waters wasn’t a cornerstone of the Warriors’ roster last season, his contributions as a bench player were undeniable. Averaging 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in just 17.2 minutes across 38 games, Waters proved his value as a reliable three-point threat. His ability to stretch the floor provided much-needed spacing for Golden State’s high-octane offense, making his departure a notable loss for a team already struggling to bolster its roster in free agency.
The Warriors, who have yet to make a single free agency signing this offseason, are watching talent slip through their fingers. The loss of fan-favorite Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this summer was a blow, and Waters’ exit to San Antonio further depletes Golden State’s depth. At 27, Waters is still a young player with room to grow, and his shooting prowess could have been retained at a bargain price. Instead, the Spurs, a team on the rise with an exciting young core led by Victor Wembanyama, have swooped in to add a cost-effective, high-upside piece to their roster.
Waters’ NBA journey has been one of perseverance. After playing a supporting role with the Thunder and seeing limited minutes with the Pistons, he found a temporary home in Golden State, where he showcased his shooting touch. However, consistent rotation minutes have eluded him thus far. His move to San Antonio could be a game-changer, offering a fresh opportunity to carve out a more significant role on a team trending upward. The Spurs, known for their player development under Gregg Popovich, could unlock Waters’ full potential, turning him into a reliable contributor in the competitive Western Conference.
For Golden State, this move underscores a troubling trend of inaction in free agency. As rival teams scoop up available talent, the Warriors risk falling behind in a loaded Western Conference. Losing a 37% three-point shooter like Waters, even if he was a role player, could sting when the season tips off. Meanwhile, the Spurs are quietly building a roster poised to make noise, and Waters’ addition might just be the under-the-radar move that pays dividends.
Could this be a turning point for both teams? For the Warriors, it’s a wake-up call to act swiftly in a shrinking free agency market. For the Spurs, it’s another step toward contention. One thing’s for sure: Lindy Waters III’s sharpshooting could make waves in San Antonio, and the Western Conference just got a little more intriguing.