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Warriors Rumors: Ben McLemore, Elfrid Payton, Kenneth Faried to Work out for GSW

Rob Goldberg

The Golden State Warriors are bringing in several veteran free agents for a workout, including Ben McLemore, Elfrid Payton, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Kenneth Faried, per Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

The Warriors have two open roster spots, although Andre Iguodala would take one if he chooses to return for his 19th season.

According to Charania and Slater, Golden State expects to fill its roster from the players invited to work out in San Francisco.

Miye Oni, Ty-Shon Alexander, Wesley Saunders and Jon Axel Gudmundsson are also expected to take part in the upcoming workout, while Shabazz Muhammad, Solomon Hill, Tyler Cook and Kelan Martin all had a Warriors workout a few weeks ago.

The Warriors don't have many holes after winning the NBA title, their fourth in eight years. But depth is still always needed at this level, especially with young players Moses Moody, James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga unproven.

Several of the listed players can provide an extra boost off the bench thanks to their experience and past production.

McLemore averaged 10.2 points per game last year with the Portland Trail Blazers and has been part of a playoff rotation with both the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. Payton was a backup point guard for the Phoenix Suns last season as the squad posted the best record in the NBA.

If these veteran guards don't prove themselves at the upcoming workout, Golden State could instead turn to summer-league star Mac McClung, who has a non-guaranteed contract heading into training camp.

The frontcourt options might be bigger long shots considering their time away from the NBA.

Hollis-Jefferson spent the 2021-22 season in the Turkish Super League and only has 11 NBA appearances since the start of the 2020-21 season. Faried last appeared in the NBA during the 2019 playoffs, although with his 8.1 career rebounds per game, he could still be useful if he is in shape.

   

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