Golden State Warriors Lock Down Gui Santos with Lucrative Multi-Year Extension
In a significant move to secure their emerging talent, the Golden State Warriors have officially agreed to a multi-year contract extension with forward Gui Santos. According to reports from Shams Charania of ESPN, the deal is valued at $15 million spread over three years, solidifying Santos's future with the franchise.
Contract Details and Player Option
The agreement includes a player option for the 2028-2029 season, providing Santos with flexibility as his career progresses. Charania cited sources confirming the three-year term, highlighting the Warriors' commitment to investing in their young core. This extension comes after Santos, originally selected with the 55th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has proven his worth on the court.
Breakout Performance and Increased Role
Santos, 23, has stepped up remarkably this season, especially in the absence of key players due to injuries. He has consistently filled in for sidelined Warriors stars, taking on new responsibilities and adapting his game to help keep the team competitive in the Western Conference. His versatility has been on full display, with increased ball-handling duties and a point-forward role emerging as crucial assets for the team.
Statistical Highlights and Career Growth
The official announcement from the Warriors detailed Santos's impressive stats:
- He is averaging career highs of 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 16.0 minutes per game in 48 appearances this season, with 13 starts.
- His shooting efficiency has soared, hitting 53.1% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range.
- Over his last 12 games, Santos has scored in double figures 11 times, averaging 15.0 points on 58.8% field goal shooting and 43.1% from beyond the arc, along with 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 28.8 minutes.
Across three seasons with Golden State, his career marks stand at 4.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 13.6 minutes in 127 games. In the 2025 postseason, he contributed in 10 games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.2 rebounds per contest.
From Draft Pick to Key Rotation Player
Since being drafted, Santos has developed steadily, splitting time between the Warriors and their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, during his rookie year. He has now cemented himself as a vital part of head coach Steve Kerr's rotation, showcasing growth and reliability. This extension rewards his hard work and potential, with the Warriors avoiding the uncertainty of him becoming a restricted free agent this summer.
Impact of Injuries and Future Outlook
Before the injury to star forward Jimmy Butler in late January, Santos had limited playing time, with 11 DNP-CDs this season. However, since then, he has seized the opportunity, averaging 13 points on 57.6% shooting from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, along with 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 26.6 minutes per game. His ability to step up under pressure has earned him the long-term trust of the Warriors' management.
With this contract extension, the Golden State Warriors not only secure a promising young talent but also reinforce their strategy of building a resilient and dynamic roster for the future. Santos's journey from a late draft pick to a key contributor exemplifies the team's focus on nurturing and retaining homegrown players.
