The Golden State Warriors have added forward Georges Niang to their roster in free agency. Niang signed a one-year contract worth $3.9 million with the team, according to reports. The signing happened just hours after the Warriors brought in guard Brandon Williams.
Niang’s contract is projected to take the Warriors up to the second apron of the NBA salary cap, according to mercurynews.com. The 33-year-old previously played for the Warriors’ Santa Cruz G League team during the 2017-18 season. He has played in the NBA for nearly a decade, appearing with four different teams. Niang made his name with the Utah Jazz from 2018 to 2021 before moving to Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Atlanta. He spent time with the Jazz again last season but did not play due to a foot injury.
After being traded by Utah, Niang was waived and did not sign with another team. Niang is a versatile player who can guard both forward positions and stands 6-foot-6. He is also known for his shooting ability, with a career 3-point percentage of about 40%, according to a report from Goal.
His arrival is meant to help fill gaps in the Warriors’ wing rotation. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are expected to return from knee injuries later in the season. Until then, Niang will back up top draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg and other young players.
He is also expected to compete for minutes with Gui Santos and Lajae Jones. The Warriors’ regular season begins on October 21 in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
Niang missed all of last season due to a foot fracture he suffered in September, ESPN reported. He had been out since the injury and only recently returned to play. Despite not playing in the NBA last season, Niang was seen as a sought-after free agent because of his undeniable quality as a sharpshooter.
His experience and sharpshooting make him a sought-after free agent. Niang has played in the NBA for nearly ten years and has been with multiple teams. He spent time with teams like the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks.
Niang’s return to action after a long injury layoff is a factor in the Warriors’ interest. The team is looking to build depth in its frontcourt ahead of a season that will see key players return from injury.
Niang’s signing is the latest in a series of moves by the Warriors to strengthen their roster. The team has also added guard Brandon Williams recently.
With the Warriors’ season just around the corner, these additions aim to provide more stability and flexibility. The team is now focused on preparing for their opening game against the Lakers.
Niang will be expected to contribute in a reserve role behind veteran players like Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis. He is also expected to support young players like Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos.
His presence gives the Warriors more options in their rotation as they navigate a season with several key players out. The team’s next major move may come with the extension of Stephen Curry, who becomes extension eligible soon.
The Warriors are reportedly working toward keeping Curry with the team long-term.
IMAGE: After being down at halftime, the Cyclones fought back, but fell short in their first game of the Big 12 Championship, losing to the Oklahoma Sooners 79-76.. Photo: Max Goldberg from USA / Wikimedia, taken 2016-03-10, CC BY 2.0