Warriors pick up Omari Spellman’s option

The Golden State Warriors have picked up Omari Spellman’s third-year option.

Spellman was one of two Warriors players who had a third-year option that needed to be exercised or declined by today. It was previously reported that Jacob Evans III had his option picked up, to the surprise of no one. Now, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau reports that Spellman has had his option picked up as well.

The 30th pick a year ago, Spellman joined the Warriors this offseason, when Golden State sent center Damian Jones to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the second-year big. There were questions as to whether he would be able to make an impact, but it only took until the third game of the season for Spellman to prove why Bob Myers made the trade.

Spellman is still highly unproven, but the Warriors will be needing any and all talent they can get next year. With max contracts already on the books for Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and D’Angelo Russell, Golden State will only be able to sign players to veteran’s minimum contracts, as well as the mid-level exception. So Spellman’s option means one fewer roster spot they have to scrounge to fill.

Through four games and 19 minutes a night, Spellman is averaging 7.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. His efficiency hasn’t been good, but the Warriors are counting on the 22-year old being able to turn that around.

According to Spotrac, Spellman’s contract next year will be for just under $2 million. The Warriors will have a decision to make on a fourth-year option for Spellman, which is projected to be just under $3.6 million.