Warriors Roster Finalized
Golden State Warriors sign veteran sharpshooter Georges Niang to fill final roster spot.
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Key Points
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Niang previously played for the Warriors' Santa Cruz G League affiliate during the 2017-18 season.
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In the 2024-25 season, Niang averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.5 minutes per game over 79 regular-season appearances for the Cavaliers and Hawks.
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Brandon Williams is a combo guard who joined the Warriors as part of their final roster moves, with both Williams and Niang targeted over the last month.
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Niang is expected to bolster a thinning wing rotation and provide depth behind forwards, potentially backing up Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones.
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Niang suffered a left-foot fourth metatarsal stress reaction last offseason, spent time with several teams, was traded to Memphis before being waived, and then signed with the Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors signed forward Georges Niang to a one-year, $3.9 million contract to fill their 15th and final roster spot, SF Chronicle reported. The 33-year-old sharpshooter, who shoots 40% from three-point range for his career, adds veteran depth to Golden State's bench as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Niang missed last season with a left-foot injury but appeared in 79 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks this year, averaging 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game, NY Post reported. The deal pushes the Warriors into the NBA's second salary-cap apron, limiting their ability to make future roster moves.
Niang Brings Shooting and Experience Off the Bench
Niang becomes the third major addition to Golden State's bench rotation this offseason, joining combo guard Brandon Williams on a $2.6 million deal, Clutch Points reported. The forward played for five NBA teams since being drafted by the Indiana Pacers, including stints with the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks.
The Warriors previously signed Niang to their Santa Cruz G League affiliate during the 2017-18 season, giving the organization familiarity with his game. His career 40% three-point shooting provides spacing for Golden State's offense, while his defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions on the wing rotation.
Recovery From Foot Injury Paves Way for Warriors Deal
Niang suffered a left-foot fourth metatarsal stress reaction last offseason that forced him to miss the entire 2024-25 season initially. He was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies from Utah but was waived by Memphis before signing with Golden State, Monterey Herald reported.
After returning to action this year, Niang appeared in 79 regular-season games across two teams. His recovery demonstrates durability, and the Warriors believe he can contribute immediately to their wing rotation behind Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Lajae Jones.
Contract Moves Warriors Into Second Salary-Cap Apron
The one-year, $3.9 million deal for Niang pushes Golden State past the second apron threshold, NY Post reported. Operating in the second apron restricts the team's flexibility to add players mid-season or make trades without matching salaries closely.
Despite the cap constraints, Golden State's front office viewed Niang as essential to filling depth behind key forwards. The Warriors open their regular season on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Niang competing for playing time on the bench.
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