NBA Rumors: Bender Gets Second 10-Day Contract Contrary To Initial Reports

The Golden State Warriors remain undermanned despite the return of Stephen Curry to active duty. As most know, head coach Steve Kerr is using 10-day contracts to fill in key slots. One player who recently saw his first 10-day pact deal lapse is Dragan Bender.

Previously, there were reports that the former 4th overall pick would not get an immediate second 10-day lease. It turns out that while Bender would be given a second 10-day term it would not be immediate.

There was no explanation given, but that may not matter now. Prior to their match against the Toronto Raptors, the 22-year-old was given a new 10-day lease per the Golden State Warriors Twitter account.

The Warriors reportedly wanted to expand options on players who could be absorbed if they perform well after a 10-day performance. Kerr said he liked Bender but it appears he is not wholeheartedly impressed by holding off an immediate second 10-day deal. But with the Warriors out of the NBA playoffs, they have the luxury of checking out free agents as early as now and beat the gun on teams who will look into the market this summer.

For Bender, the second 10-day contract will be in close watch. He gets to play alongside a returning Curry. Similar to the case of Andrew Wiggins, Kerr wants to see how the young players will blend in with Curry. Looking ahead, the same case will hold true for Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. More players are expected to come this summer - both from free agency and the NBA Draft.

The Warriors did lose to the Raptors, 121-113. Curry announced his return by unloading 23 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists. The loss hardly mattered for the Dubs since they just wanted to get the two-time NBA MVP back into the groove of things.

"The anticipation for getting back out there tonight, just getting out on the floor and seeing what was going to happen. It's kind of a cool moment just with the excitement and energy in the building. I wasn't sure what to expect with the minutes' restrictions and all that, just trying to make my first shot and get comfortable out there. Throughout the 27 minutes, it felt good," Curry said after the game via the Bleacher Report.

The Warriors are at 14-49 in the Western Conference and have 19 games to go. Bender will be in close watch and other players who Kerr decides to take in. But being given a second 10-day deal speaks a lot and something the 7-footer may not want to waste.