The Warriors still have work to do behind Stephen Curry, and a fresh free-agent opening may have handed them a straightforward answer.
Dallas has effectively moved on from Brandon Williams, and Golden State is now being linked to the 26-year-old guard as it searches for help at backup point guard. The Mavericks already have 16 players under contract for next season, which has left Williams unsigned a month into free agency despite a strong year.
Williams put together the best season of his career in Dallas, averaging 13 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists across 66 games, including 15 starts. The Mavericks also went a different direction in June’s draft by trading up to select Sergio de Larrea, and Kyrie Irving is set to return after more than a year out with injury.
Golden State’s interest was reported Friday by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who noted a wider group of candidates for a minimum deal.
"Sources say Kelly Olynyk, Brandon Williams, Gabe Vincent, and Gary Payton II are all players in consideration for a minimum deal from the Warriors, along with current two-way guard LJ Cryer," Siegel wrote.
Among that group, Williams stands out as the most proven option based on last season alone. He also fits a clear need after Pat Spencer left for the Phoenix Suns on a two-way contract at the start of free agency.
The Warriors have already seen what Williams can do against them. He scored a season-high 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting in a December matchup, then followed that with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists in a January win over Golden State.
There’s also another name in the mix: LJ Cryer. Golden State may eventually have to choose between Williams and the 24-year-old guard, who is currently on a two-way contract. Cryer could stay in that spot, but his late-season surge and strong showing in summer league have led many to believe the Warriors should simply promote him to the main roster.
The two guards offer very different looks. Cryer is the shooter, a player who has hit better than 40% from 3-point range at nearly every stop, including college, the G League and the NBA. Williams is the downhill attacker, a 6-foot-1 guard who lives in the paint and has shot just 28% from deep for his career.
With Curry heading into his 18th season and having missed 27 straight games late last year because of a troubling knee injury, Golden State looks likely to have either Williams or Cryer on the opening-night roster.
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