Bold headline: The Warriors are bringing Nate Williams on a two-way deal, keeping their roster flexibility intact and adding another scoring option for the G League pipeline.
But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just a headline grab. The Warriors are staking future minutes on a versatile guard who has built his career through a mix of NBA stints and strong showings in the G League, signaling a deliberate emphasis on depth and development rather than quick fixes.
Original name, different spelling you may see elsewhere, Jeenathan Williams stands 6’5” and plays at shooting guard. He’s been with the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League while waiting for another NBA chance. He previously spent time in training camp with the Lakers last fall but was waived in October.
Williams turned 27 just last week. His most recent NBA season came with Houston in 2023/24, initially on a two-way deal before earning a standard contract. He appeared in 20 games that season, averaging 3.3 points and 0.7 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game before Houston waived him in the summer.
After parting ways with the Lakers, he joined the Nets’ G League affiliate, where he’s posted strong numbers: about 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per 34 minutes over 35 appearances. His shooting has been solid, at 47.2% from the floor, with 36.5% from three.
His NBA journey also includes 22 games with Houston in 2023/24 and five games with Portland in the prior season. He went undrafted out of Buffalo in 2022.
For Golden State, the move fills a two-way opening without requiring a corresponding roster shift. The Warriors already opened a two-way slot by promoting Pat Spencer to a standard contract right after the trade deadline, making this signing a strategic addition rather than a disruptor.
Controversy note: Some will question whether a two-way signing at this stage is the best use of a roster spot versus pursuing a more veteran, NBA-tested option. Others will argue this kind of development-path approach is precisely how a contender sustains depth over a long season. Where do you stand on using two-way contracts to balance immediate help with long-term potential? Share your thoughts in the comments.
