The Golden State Warriors made a subtle but potentially impactful move following the NBA All-Star break, adding G League standout Nate Williams to their roster on a two-way contract.
The signing is destined to add some much-needed wing depth, and it comes at a time when the Warriors are jockeying for position in the competitive Western Conference and seeking every advantage they can get as they hope to boost their playoff chances.
Williams, a 6-foot-5 wing, has been one of the more productive players in the NBA G League this season with the Long Island Nets, posting impressive numbers that caught the attention of the Warriors’ front office.
In 35 games, he averaged 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.
The two-way deal fills the opening created when the Warriors converted Pat Spencer‘s two-way contract into a standard NBA deal earlier in the season.
With that vacancy now addressed, Golden State‘s roster stands at 14 standard deals alongside three two-way players.
Williams’ path wasn’t an easy one
Williams‘ path to this opportunity reflects perseverance and steady development. After going undrafted in 2022, he began his professional journey in the G League before earning brief stints in the NBA.
He debuted with the Portland Trail Blazers late in the 2022-23 season and later spent time with the Houston Rockets over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
His NBA experience has been limited, totaling 42 games with modest stats, but his G League production this season has solidified him as one of the league’s more effective all-around wings.
For a Warriors team that entered the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations, depth has been a recurring theme.
While Stephen Curry remains the focal point of Golden State‘s rotation, injuries, minutes load management and the grind of the 82-game schedule have underscored the need for reliable role players.
The addition of Williams addresses that need, particularly in games where defensive versatility and supplemental scoring could be decisive.
What Williams brings to Golden State
The primary value of Williams lies in his scoring efficiency and physical toolkit.
In the G League this year, his scoring average of 18.4 points per game put him among the league’s top offensive performers, while his rebound and steal numbers illustrate a willingness to contribute across the stat sheet.
This is particularly valuable for a Warriors squad that has often relied on youth and second-unit scoring to maintain leads and manage stretches where the starters are out of the lineup.
Williams‘ ability to step into guard and wing rotations could prove useful in closing out regular-season games or in blowouts where extended bench minutes are necessary.
However, given two-way contract limitations, Williams will be restricted in how many NBA games he can appear in this season. He also will not be eligible for postseason play with the Warriors should they secure a playoff berth.
Coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors front office have shown a willingness to integrate younger or less heralded talent throughout the season, particularly when it supports long-term roster flexibility and development. Williams‘ signing highlights that approach, giving Golden State an additional athletic option with scoring upside and defensive potential.
From a strategic standpoint, the move also reflects the Warriors‘ need to stay competitive in a Western Conference that features a congested middle tier of teams fighting for play-in and playoff positioning.
With roughly a third of the season remaining, every bench upgrade helps mitigate fatigue and contributes to maintaining consistency.
The Warriors‘ addition of Williams post All-Star break is a calculated roster enhancement that rewards strong G League performance, while offering Golden State another capable wing option as they navigate the crucial final months of the regular season.
Read the full article here
