Kyle Anderson was expected to be a significant addition to the Golden State Warriors last season, bringing his experience and skillset to the team’s roster. However, it quickly became apparent to head coach Steve Kerr that Anderson was not the same impactful player he had been during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now with the Utah Jazz, Anderson finds himself in a similar situation, having recorded seven consecutive DNPs following the team’s 129-119 defeat to the Boston Celtics this past Tuesday. His lack of playing time has prompted the Jazz to reassess his role on the team, highlighting a trend from last season.
After being traded to the Miami Heat in the high-profile deal for Jimmy Butler, Anderson was subsequently transferred again during the offseason as part of a trade that brought Norman Powell to Miami and John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since joining the Jazz, Anderson has only played in nine games this season, averaging 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in just under 18 minutes per game. His shooting percentage sits at 49%, but his involvement in the game has diminished significantly as Utah shifts its focus towards developing younger talent, including fifth overall pick Ace Bailey.
Given that Anderson’s contract for next season is non-guaranteed, he emerges as a potential trade candidate ahead of February’s mid-season deadline. However, his recent performance raises questions about whether a playoff-contending team would be interested in acquiring him, especially considering that both the Warriors and the Heat appear to have made the right call in parting ways with the 6’8″ forward in the past year.
The Warriors had initially signed Anderson to a three-year, $27 million contract, believing his high basketball IQ and versatile abilities would mesh well with their system. Unfortunately for him, his time in Golden State saw a significant drop in playing time, going from 22.6 minutes with the Timberwolves to just 15 minutes with the Warriors, coupled with a -1.9 net rating that was one of the lowest on the team.
Anderson’s career trajectory has taken a concerning turn over the last 15 months. With the possibility of being waived after this season, he may find himself back in free agency, hoping for an opportunity to revitalize a career that has faced considerable challenges.