As the NBA offseason heats up, the Golden State Warriors are making waves with a strategic decision that has fans buzzing. Facing a critical deadline, the Warriors have opted to secure two of their high-energy reserves, Quentin Post and Gui Santos, by exercising their team options for the upcoming season. This move, confirmed by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, ensures the continued presence of these fan-favorite players who have brought hustle and heart to the Bay Area.
Quentin Post, a 2024 second-round draft pick, emerged as a surprising force last season. The big man steadily improved as the year progressed, averaging a respectable 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in just 16.3 minutes per game. His knack for delivering in clutch moments and relentless effort on both ends of the court quickly endeared him to Warriors fans. Meanwhile, Gui Santos, the Brazilian swingman selected in 2022, continues to shine as a high-upside project. In his sophomore NBA season, Santos contributed 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes, showcasing his athleticism and potential to grow into a key rotation player.
According to Slater, the Warriors’ decision to retain both players was a no-brainer, despite the financial constraints of the NBA’s new apron rules. Santos will remain on the books for a non-guaranteed $2.2 million, while Post’s deal comes in at $1.9 million. For a team navigating the tightrope of salary cap management, every dollar counts, but keeping these cost-effective, high-impact reserves signals Golden State’s commitment to depth and development.
While Post and Santos are locked in, the Warriors’ offseason is far from settled. All eyes are now on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose contract negotiations remain unresolved. The talented forward, a cornerstone of Golden State’s future, could see his situation extend well into the summer. Adding intrigue, Kuminga’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, with General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. hinting at the team’s willingness to explore the trade market once free agency kicks into high gear.
“We’ve got some free agents that are priorities. We’ve got to handle that. But some of that stuff may lead into trades and other things,” Dunleavy said. Reflecting on last summer’s multi-team trade, he added, “Anytime you get into the free agent stuff and you start looking at exceptions and cap space, it lends itself to we’ll be opportunistic. … We’ll definitely be in the mix. I think we’ve shown a history of doing that.”
With the Warriors poised to make bold moves, the decision to retain Post and Santos sets the stage for an exciting offseason. As free agency looms, Golden State is balancing the development of young talent with the pursuit of blockbuster deals, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Will Kuminga stay, or will the Warriors shake up the roster with a major trade? One thing is certain: the Dubs are ready to make noise in the NBA’s free agency frenzy.