The Golden State Warriors have added Dalen Terry, and the path to that move traces back to LeBron James.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported the agreement on Thursday, with the deal likely lining up as a training camp contract after Golden State brought in Brandon Williams and Georges Niang on minimum deals Tuesday. Terry’s arrival had been building for weeks, but the timing got pushed into place by a chain of roster moves elsewhere.
Terry had spent nearly four seasons and more than 200 games with the Chicago Bulls before his career took a winding turn. He was traded twice before February’s mid-season deadline, waived by the New Orleans Pelicans, and eventually landed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way deal. He then appeared in 14 games for Philadelphia to close last season and did enough to earn a two-year contract.
That plan changed fast after James’ free agency decision was followed by the 76ers’ buyout signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. To make room for Caldwell-Pope, Philadelphia waived Terry.
Golden State would have preferred to sign James themselves, but instead they get the benefit of the fallout. Terry now gets a chance to stick with the Warriors if he can make noise in camp and preseason.
The fit has looked inevitable for a while. Terry was first linked to Golden State weeks ago, and the idea picked up steam after the 6-foot-6 wing was spotted sitting next to Stephen Curry at a recent Valkyries game, alongside Gary Payton II and Will Richard.
Even with Williams and Niang already in the mix, Terry still has a lane to the opening-night roster against the Los Angeles Lakers in October. Williams’ contract remains fully non-guaranteed until opening night, which means a strong preseason could still change the picture.
It would be an uphill climb. Terry’s career numbers sit at 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, with shooting splits of 44.3% from the field and 31.4% from 3-point range. Williams, by contrast, is coming off his best season in Dallas, where he averaged 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and nearly a steal per game.
Still, the opportunity is real, and so is the pressure. If Terry doesn’t land on the main roster, Santa Cruz looks like the most likely next stop, where the Warriors’ development setup gives him another place to prove himself.
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