Warriors Steal Slashing Wing From Underneath Nets Nose, And When Will Warriors Fill Last Open Spot?

The Golden State Warriors have inked Nate Williams to their open two-way spot, according to  NBA Insider Jake Fischer.

“The Golden State Warriors are signing Nate Williams of the Long Island Nets to a two-way contract, according to league sources,” Fischer tweeted.

The deal became official earlier this afternoon.

Warriors Steal Slashing Wing From Underneath Nets’ Nose

Williams, who has 47 NBA games of experience, spent this past season in the G League with the Nets, where he thrived. Willams averaged 18.4 points on 47.2% percent shooting, but perhaps more importantly, he drained a career-high two three-pointers at a 36.5% clip.  The 27-year-old also averaged six rebounds (2.7 offensive), 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Williams, not known as an elite scorer, has been extremely consistent offensively this year. Williams scored in double-figures in 33 of 35 games with 16 20-point games and two 30-point efforts. He also produced two double-doubles. Ball-handling and fouling are concerns.

This is the third minor league deal that Williams has signed since going undrafted out of Buffalo in 2022. His two previous two-way deals were with Houston. Additionally, Williams has inked two standard contracts, one with Portland and one with Houston.

After playing with Houston’s 2025 summer league squad, he was released by the Rockets. He ultimately landed with the Los Angeles Lakers on an Exhibit 10 and appeared in five preseason games. After being waived by the Lakers, he was assigned to the G League South Bay Lakers but was immediately traded to the Long Island Nets.  The Lakers received Drew Timme and a 2027 first-round pick in the G-League draft.

Since Williams was not on an NBA contract with Brooklyn, he was essentially a free agent. This allowed the Warriors to acquire him without compensation. Teams have until March 4 tp sign players t a tw-way contract.

Since Golden State had an open two-way slot after promoting Pat Spencer to a standard contract, no subsequent move was needed.  Williams joins Malevy Leons and LJ Cryer with minor league pacts.

What Does Nate Williams Bring To The Warriors

First, Williams brings experience. Williams is in his fourth season. Meanwhile, Leons and Cryer have combined to play 28 minutes in eight games.

Williams is a physical 6-5 wing who is at best when slashing to the hoop and can be a difficult guard when getting going downhill.  Williams is comfortable when attacking closeouts, though he is a rhythm jump shooter.  He is also more of a creator than a connector.

Williams does need to improve his defensive IQ. He improves his cutting, relocating in offensive split actions.

Williams doesn’t necessarily have a role with the Warriors. But, he could see some minutes for the Warriors, if it comes to pass.

Golden State, which had a 15-man spot roster, had six inactive players in the final contest of the first half.  On the plus side, the Warriors should be healthy enough to have Jimmy Butler after the All-Star break. The Warriors (29-26), who are 4-5 in their last nine, host the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

The Warriors are $2.6 million from being hardcapped at the second apron. So, the Whaveors have plenty of room to add a player via the best of a season contract.

“The Warriors desperately need a wing who is at least satisfactory shooting threes and playing defense,” Joey Akeley of Sports Illustrated said.“Unfortunately, these players are rarely available on the buyout market, and when they are, they are the most coveted. If the Warriors can’t get a wing, they should value getting a big over a guard.”

The Warriors missed out on Haywood Highsmithrecently, who signed with Pcently. The Warriors have also been linked to Cam Thomas, who signed a deal with Milwaukee, and Lonzo Ball. But neither of those two players made sense.

Pat Connaughton and Chris Boucher are the two players on the open market who do the most to make sense for the Warriors. Neither veteran has played much this year, as Connaughton was with Charlotte and Boucher in Boston. But each veteran has shown they are capable of producing in the playoffs and have qualitiesthat fit the Warriors’ culture and needs.