The Warriors still have room to maneuver, but the list of realistic options is getting shorter by the day.
Golden State has two roster spots available in name, and the front office has already made most of its moves. The team’s only external addition so far is Yaxel Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Beyond that, the Warriors have brought back Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Gary Payton II, De'Anthony Melton, and Charles Bassey to fill out the open spots they already had.
There has also been buzz around Dalen Terry on a training camp deal, a move that would let him compete for the 14th or 15th roster spot. His appearance at a WNBA game with members of Golden State seemed to point in that direction. Still, nothing has been finalized, and the Warriors are watching a market that has thinned out even more after the departures of Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan over the weekend.
That leaves Golden State weighing whether it should keep looking at the frontcourt or turn its attention to the backcourt. The most likely landing spots for those roster spots still appear to be Georges Niang or Kelly Olynyk, both of whom would help on the interior.
Niang, who hasn’t played in the NBA since 2024-25, could still offer something as a rebounder and combo forward. Olynyk, meanwhile, would be the cleaner fit if the Warriors want extra minutes at center.
But if the goal is adding more pop behind Melton, Brandin Podziemski, and Payton, Brandon Williams deserves a serious look.
Williams would not be a perfect match next to Payton, since both bring similar playmaking value without much help as shooters. Even so, the former Dallas Mavericks guard offers something the Warriors could use: a lead ball-handler who can create, organize, and survive real minutes.
Last season, Williams filled in while Kyrie Irving was out and gave Dallas exactly that. He started 15 of his 66 games with the Mavericks and averaged 13 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field.
The 3-point shooting was rough - just 23.2% - but he kept the ball moving and posted a turnover-to-assist ratio of nearly 2.0. For a Mavericks team that needed someone to soak up those minutes, he was useful.
There is competition in the mix already. LJ Cryer impressed in Summer League as a floor-spacer and showed real bite as an on-ball defender for his size, so he’ll have a shot to push for a role. Terry would be part of that same battle if Golden State signs him to a camp deal.
Still, if the Warriors are serious about adding another guard, Williams fits the kind of need that should matter most right now. He may not be the cleanest stylistic fit, and he might not be interested in anything less than a guaranteed deal. But with the offseason winding down, he’s the kind of player Golden State should be examining before the final pieces fall into place.
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