Golden State Quietly Lands a Potential Gem in Malevy Leons
The Golden State Warriors may have pulled off one of the more under-the-radar moves of the season - and it didn’t involve a blockbuster trade or a headline-grabbing free agent. Instead, it came in the form of a two-way contract and a player most fans haven’t yet circled on their radar: Malevy Leons.
Leons, a 6'9" forward with a 7'1" wingspan, was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder just before the season started. After a stint with their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, the Warriors swooped in, signing him to a two-way deal following a season-ending injury to rookie Alex Toohey. And while it’s early days, Leons is already making a strong case for himself with Santa Cruz in the G League.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t just a feel-good story about a guy getting another shot. This is a player who’s quietly putting together performances that demand attention.
In the Warriors’ recent G League Winter Showcase win over the Noblesville Boom, Leons posted 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in 34 minutes. He shot 7-of-11 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep, leading the team in scoring.
That kind of efficiency, paired with his defensive activity, is exactly what teams hope to see from developmental prospects.
And this isn’t a one-off. Just days earlier, Leons contributed 11 points, seven boards, and a couple of assists against the Delaware Blue Coats, helping Santa Cruz snap out of a brutal 1-13 start to the season. The Sea Dubs have now picked up back-to-back wins, and Leons has been central to that turnaround.
What makes Leons intriguing - beyond the box score - is his defensive versatility. At his size, with that wingspan, he’s already shown the ability to switch onto smaller guards and still protect the rim.
That’s a rare combination. Some within the organization have even thrown around comparisons to Draymond Green in terms of defensive impact - not in terms of pedigree or personality, but in his ability to disrupt plays across multiple positions.
That’s high praise, but it speaks to the potential the Warriors see in him.
Golden State’s front office has quietly built a track record of hitting on these types of moves. Pat Spencer, another two-way player, has found himself in the rotation this season.
Quinten Post, who started last year on a two-way deal, is now the team’s starting center. The Warriors have made it a habit of turning overlooked prospects into contributors, and Leons could be next in line.
There’s no guarantee Leons will crack the NBA rotation this season - the Warriors are still figuring out their identity and rotation amid a turbulent campaign. But moves like this are the kind that build depth, flexibility, and long-term upside. And for a team that’s always thinking a few steps ahead, adding a player with Leons’ tools and upside, especially after another team passed, is a savvy piece of business.
He may not be a household name yet, but if he keeps stacking performances like this, that could change in a hurry. For now, the Warriors will keep watching - and developing - a player who might just end up being one of their sneakier wins of the season.