Williams Agrees to One-Year Contract
The Golden State Warriors have agreed to sign free agent guard Brandon Williams to a one-year, $2.6 million minimum contract, according to agents Derek Lafayette and Curtis Lawrence, who told ESPN’s Shams Charania of the agreement.
Williams is the Warriors’ first outside acquisition in what has been an otherwise stable offseason. He is expected to provide perimeter bench scoring and speed for a reserve unit that often lacked those elements last season.
Background and Statistics
Williams averaged 13.0 points in 22.2 minutes per game for the Dallas Mavericks last season, with NBC Sports adding that he also averaged 3.9 assists per game. He shot 23.2% from three-point range during his time in Dallas, a figure that underscores his reputation as a guard who has not been a reliable outside shooter.
Over his four-season career, Williams has averaged 10.7 points and 19.3 minutes in 140 games, including 34 starts. He began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Roster Implications
The signing fills the 14th slot on the Warriors’ roster, leaving them with 14 guaranteed contracts heading into training camp. General manager Mike Dunleavy said the team intends to fill the 15th and final roster spot this summer, a departure from previous seasons when the slot was left vacant for financial reasons. NBC Sports, however, reported that the Warriors are expected to keep that 15th slot open in the short term.
Role on the Team
Stephen Curry is set to start at point guard and will receive the bulk of the minutes, with Williams expected to split time with De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II at the position. NBC described Williams as a quality bench guard whose up-tempo pace fits the Warriors’ style, and who looked good in an increased role last season in Dallas, where injuries created more playing time.