[Saba Sports News] Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday that Rodney McGruder, a free agent swingman, is in the final stages of securing a deal with the Golden State Warriors and will compete for a roster spot during training camp.
McGruder, aged 32, is known for his tenacious defense and three-point shooting. He has career averages of 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and made several starts for the Detroit Pistons last season.
What adds intrigue to this signing is McGruder’s history with the Warriors, specifically with Klay Thompson. In 2021, McGruder, playing for the Detroit Pistons, had an on-court altercation with then-Warrior Juan Toscano-Anderson.
Thompson, who was sidelined due to injury but working as a guest broadcaster, criticized McGruder, suggesting he might soon be out of the league.
Now, in 2023, McGruder not only remains in the league but has become a member of Thompson’s Warriors. This sets the stage for intriguing training camp battles between the two and continues the Warriors’ trend of bringing in former rivals this NBA offseason.