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The Golden State Warriors had just thirteen players on their roster going into the regular season, plus three players on two-way contracts, after deciding not to sign Rudy Gay, Rodney McGruder, or any of their other camp invitees. A decision must be taken quickly because the team is only allowed to go two weeks without acquiring a 14th member due to league regulations.
We are now aware of that move. A report from Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews of ESPN claims that the Dubs are bringing in wing Gui Santos on a three-year deal.
The news is exciting. In the 2022 NBA Draft, Golden State selected Santos, a 6’8 wing from Brazil, with the No. 55 overall choice. Santos was viewed as a draft-and-stash player because of his roster’s excessive number of young players.
Santos was loaned by Golden State from Minas, the Brazilian team he was playing for, and instead played in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. In 26.0 minutes per game, he averaged 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, impressing the coaching staff.
Although Santos was still under contract with Minas, league rules prevented Golden State from signing him to a two-way contract this year, despite the hopes of many supporters. Santos turned 21 in June, placing him between Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga in terms of age. Nonetheless, they are free to buy out his agreement and bind him to a formal contract, which appears to be what they are doing.
The details of the agreement are still unknown.
There are two possible reasons why Golden State delayed until the final minute to fill the roster position. To start, going two weeks with only 13 players under contract saves them a good chunk of money in tax payments. Additionally, it allowed them time to assess the team and determine whether they could replace the vacancy with a more project-oriented candidate or if they needed to try to add a veteran. They certainly went with the latter, and that makes sense considering how strong the team has shown thus far.
Gui, welcome to the Dubs!
