In a season where joy has been scarce for the Golden State Warriors, the emergence of Gui Santos has become the beacon of hope the organization desperately needed. This weekend, the franchise officially announced the signing of a contract extension for the Brazilian forward.
Santos’ new deal establishes a financial agreement worth $15 million over three years. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the agreement also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, securing the long-term presence of one of the most impressive development stories in today’s NBA.
Santos, who was selected with the 55th pick in the 2022 Draft, has traveled a long road from the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors to solidifying himself in Steve Kerr’s rotation. His golden opportunity arrived following Jimmy Butler’s injury in January; since then, the Brazilian has responded with averages of 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over his last 12 games while shooting an outstanding 58.8% from the field.
The parents’ “scare”: From a supposed pregnancy to NBA success
Beyond the numbers, news of the extension left behind a family anecdote that quickly went viral. After finalizing the deal, Santos’ first reaction was to call his parents in Brazil, though he decided to add a touch of suspense to the conversation.
“I sounded a bit serious, like: ‘Dad, Mom, I have something serious to talk to you about,'” Santos told reporters on Saturday.
The player’s seriousness was so convincing that his parents’ reaction was not what he initially expected: “They thought I had gotten my fiancée pregnant,” he confessed with a laugh.
Once the misunderstanding was clarified, the anxiety turned into pride. Santos is currently the only Brazilian-born player in the NBA.
“Coming from Brazil, the resources we have there are not many. Just making it to the league is already something very, very big. But getting an extension with the best organization in the world… there are no words that can describe this feeling.”
For Gui Santos, this contract is the result of four years of patience and relentless work. His head coach, Steve Kerr, did not hold back praise, noting that Santos has recently been his best shot creator, finding solutions where none seemed to exist.
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