The Golden State Warriors have released veterans Rudy Gay and Rodney McGruder, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The moves leave the Warriors with 13 standard contracts, giving them two available roster spots before reaching the NBA’s 15-man roster limit.
Charania reports that the Warriors intend to add a 14th player inside the first two weeks of the 2023-24 NBA season.
The Warriors signed Gay to a one-year, $3.1 million deal in September. He was expected to be a veteran presence off the bench and provide mentorship to young forward Jonathan Kuminga. But after receiving limited action in the preseason, playing only 14 minutes across two games, it became clear that the veteran would have to look for a roster spot elsewhere.
Considering Gay’s experience, it wouldn’t be a surprise if some other team decides to take a gamble on him. The 37-year-old played 56 games with the Utah Jazz last season, averaging 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds.
McGruder, on the other hand, had a bigger role in the postseason, finishing the preseason loss against the San Antonio Spurs with eight points and five rebounds. But he also failed to do enough to warrant a roster spot and is now back on the free-agent market.
