In a surprising move just a week before training camp, the Golden State Warriors have parted ways with forward Braxton Key, who has now signed a training camp contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 28-year-old, who showcased a jaw-dropping performance in the G League last season, leaves the Warriors after a brief but impactful stint with the franchise.
A G League Phenom
Braxton Key’s time with the Warriors’ G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, was nothing short of spectacular. After joining the team from the San Diego Clippers, the 6’8″ forward dominated the competition, averaging an incredible 25.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game across 11 appearances. His efficiency was equally impressive, shooting 55.4% from the field and an astonishing 45.2% from beyond the arc. These numbers not only earned him the G League Defensive Player of the Year award but also a well-deserved call-up to the Warriors’ main roster, where his two-way contract was converted to a standard deal in time for the playoffs.
A Brief but Memorable Warriors Stint
Key’s time with the Warriors’ main roster was limited but showed flashes of his potential. He appeared in three regular-season games and five playoff games across Golden State’s series against the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Most notably, in Game 5 against the Rockets, Key played 12 minutes, grabbing seven rebounds and recording a steal while finishing with a +12 plus-minus, despite struggling with his shot (0-for-7 from the field). His hustle and defensive tenacity were evident, making his departure all the more surprising for fans who saw his potential as a rotational player.
Why the Warriors Let Him Go
The Warriors’ decision to move on from Key comes as the team focuses on filling their six available roster spots with key players like restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and second-round pick Will Richard, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. With Key no longer eligible for a two-way contract due to his four years of NBA experience with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and the Warriors, the franchise opted not to re-sign him. This move leaves a noticeable void in Santa Cruz, where Key’s dominance was a major asset.
A New Chapter with the Grizzlies
Key’s signing with the Memphis Grizzlies marks the latest chapter in his NBA journey. However, with the Grizzlies’ training camp roster now at 21 players, securing a spot on the final roster will be an uphill battle for the 2019 Virginia national champion. Key’s NBA experience remains limited, with just 37 career games, 20 of which came during the 2023-24 season with the Denver Nuggets. Still, his versatility, defensive prowess, and proven G League production make him a player to watch as he competes for a role in Memphis.
What This Means for the Warriors
For Golden State, Key’s departure underscores the team’s shift in priorities as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. While the Warriors are still navigating the future of Jonathan Kuminga, losing a player of Key’s caliber in the G League could impact their developmental pipeline. Fans will undoubtedly miss the electrifying performances Key brought to Santa Cruz, and his exit serves as a reminder of the tough decisions teams must make in the competitive NBA landscape.
As the Warriors gear up for training camp, all eyes will be on how the team fills out its roster and whether they can replicate Key’s defensive intensity and scoring punch from other players. Meanwhile, Braxton Key will look to make the most of his opportunity in Memphis, aiming to prove that his G League heroics can translate to a permanent NBA role.