In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have parted ways with Braxton Key, a 6-foot-8 forward and former G League Defensive Player of the Year, just days after he expressed his ambition to be a cornerstone of the team’s championship aspirations. The move comes as the Warriors finalized their roster with the signings of Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, signaling the end of Key’s brief tenure with the franchise.
Key, a 28-year-old Virginia product, joined the Warriors on a two-way contract in March 2024, quickly earning a standard contract by mid-April due to a strong first impression. Despite his accolades—including a G League championship with the Delaware Blue Coats in 2023 and Defensive Player of the Year honors with the Memphis Hustle in the 2023-24 season—Key struggled to carve out a significant role in Golden State’s rotation. In the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged a modest 1.0 point and 0.7 rebounds across three appearances, logging just 3.7 minutes per game. His postseason contributions were similarly limited, with 0.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in five games.
The writing was on the wall for Key as the Warriors bolstered their roster with high-profile additions, leaving little room for the Charlotte, North Carolina native. Last Wednesday, Key signed a training camp deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that suggests he was well aware of his uncertain future with Golden State. The decision to move on comes as a shock, especially after Key’s recent comments about his desire to “anchor the defense” and help propel the Warriors to another championship.
Key’s defensive prowess, highlighted by his 2022 G League All-Defensive Team selection, made him a promising addition to a Warriors squad known for its versatility and defensive intensity. However, with established stars like Draymond Green and new additions like Gary Payton II, Key’s opportunities to shine were limited. His departure raises questions about whether the Warriors might regret letting go of a player with his defensive pedigree, especially as they aim to reclaim their spot atop the NBA.
For Key, the move to Memphis offers a fresh start. The Grizzlies, a team known for their gritty, defense-first mentality, could provide the perfect environment for the forward to showcase his skills. If Key can translate his G League success to the NBA stage, he may yet prove that his time with the Warriors was merely a stepping stone to a more prominent role elsewhere.
As the Warriors shift their focus to their revamped roster, the abrupt exit of Braxton Key serves as a reminder of the NBA’s unforgiving nature. For every star that rises, another must fall—and Key’s journey is far from over. If he can find his niche in Memphis, the defensive juggernaut may still have a chance to make his mark in the big leagues.