NBA Amnesty Clause: Brandon Roy to Golden State Warriors Is a Great Fit

The NBA amnesty clause means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It's essentially a reset button that allows franchises a chance to erase the worst contract off of their books.

While teams have years to exercise this clause, some clubs have been counting down to the day when they can finally emerge from under that deal.

For some (see: Washington), it's a chance to erase a terrible contract (see: the league's second-highest paid player—Rashard Lewis). For others, it's a chance to remove those contracts that started out as decent amounts for talented players (see: Roy, Gilbert Arenas) but over time became cap killers as these players' careers were derailed by injury.

So, why exactly should the Warriors care about this clause, given that the team's worst contracts (see: Andris Biedrins, David Lee) reportedly will not be moved?

They should care because this clause gives them the chance to nab a player with tremendous ability at a severely discounted rate.

Sure, Roy may bring along the knees of an 80-year-old to whichever franchise he signs with, but league doctors and trainers have worked medical miracles before (see: Grant Hill).

Still not convinced? Well, assuming the dollar amounts were equal, which of these players would excite a fanbase the most: Reggie Williams, Al Thornton or Brandon Roy?

Exactly.

With Roy's 18-point fourth quarter in Game 4 of last year's opening round series against the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks, the former Washington Huskie showed that his game has not abandoned him, even if his knees have.

Roy has always been commended for his ability to create for himself (career 19.0 points per game, 12.2 in 2010-11) and for his teammates (career 4.7 assists, 2.7 in his limited minutes last season), and he has been lauded as one of the few star players with great character.

The presence of budding stars Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis in the team's backcourt will allow Roy to contribute whatever he has left without feeling the weight of an entire franchise on his shoulders—or creaky knees.

Likewise, Curry and Ellis (and the rest of the Warriors for that matter) would benefit from the creativity of Roy's offense. Curry and Ellis would not be forced to create for others and instead could focus on making their own plays with a playmaker of Roy's caliber sharing the backcourt.

And one can only imagine what Roy's leadership and playoff experience could bring not just to the team's youthful roster, but also to their rookie coach, Mark Jackson. If a player who's been an All-Star and has playoff experience buys into what Jackson's teaching, why wouldn't the rest of his teammates fall in line?

So, who cares if the Warriors do not use their amnesty clause in the manner that that their fans (or certain analysts) think they should?

It's hard to imagine that the addition of Roy to any franchise would be anything but a great move.