Warriors in the dark again after Jimmy Butler's old teammate signs with close rival

Veteran wing Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Houston Rockets, removing him as a potential target for the Golden State Warriors. Okogie recently finalized a buyout with the Charlotte Hornets to enter free agency.

Okogie is recognized as one of the league's top wing defenders. His signing follows Houston's earlier acquisition of defender Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year, $52.7 million deal. Together with rising two-way player Amen Thompson, this significantly bolsters the Rockets' defensive capabilities, building on their fifth-ranked defense last season.

This move adds another layer to the developing rivalry between the Rockets and Warriors, who recently engaged in a tight, defense-oriented seven-game playoff series in the first round, won by Golden State.

News of Okogie's availability had interested some Warriors fans, as the team seeks to address perimeter defense uncertainties, particularly regarding unrestricted free agent Gary Payton II. While Payton could still return, Okogie was considered a potential upgrade based on defensive performance comparisons last season.

Okogie also shares a brief history as a former teammate of Warriors star Jimmy Butler during their time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, notably overlapping during Butler's infamous 2018 practice outburst before being traded after just eight games together. A reunion with Butler on the Warriors is now off the table.