In a stunning turn of events that’s sending shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have pulled off a masterful heist, snatching former Bradley Brave Malevy Leons—the Dutch defensive dynamo and reigning MVC “King”—on a two-way contract. This bold move comes straight out of left field, pilfering the rising star from the clutches of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, just months after the Thunder claimed the 2025 NBA Finals crown. Leons, who’s been tearing up the G League, is set to bring his elite skills to the Bay Area, potentially reshaping the Warriors’ roster for the 2025–26 season.
Leons, hailing from the Netherlands and earning the nickname “Dutch Dagger” for his sharp defensive prowess, is in his second professional season. Currently with the Oklahoma City Blue, he’s been a force to reckon with, posting impressive averages of 14.8 points per game (PPG), 7.6 rebounds per game (RPG), 3.0 assists per game (APG), and 1.8 steals per game (SPG) through 12 games. Shooting an efficient 51% from the field and a scorching 44% from beyond the arc, Leons has proven he’s more than just a defensive specialist—he’s a well-rounded threat ready to make an immediate impact.
During the 2024–25 season, Leons suited up for six games with the Oklahoma City Thunder while dominating in 13 G League outings for the Blue. There, he averaged 11.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 blocks per game (BPG), and 1.2 SPG, showcasing his versatility and tenacity. His highlight-reel performance included a monster double-double of 19 points and 21 rebounds against the Texas Legends, a game that had scouts buzzing about his potential.
Leons’ college legacy at Bradley University is nothing short of legendary. Over three seasons, he claimed Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 2022–23 and 2023–24, solidifying his status as the MVC’s undisputed “King” of defense. He made history as the first player in MVC annals to notch 50+ blocks and 50+ steals in a single season—and he did it twice in a row. Etched into Bradley’s record books, Leons ranks in the top-five for career blocks, top-20 for career rebounds, and top-40 for career scoring. In 101 games (starting 99), he amassed 1,179 points, 640 rebounds, 137 blocks, and 127 steals, leaving an indelible mark on the Hilltop.
Under NBA regulations, two-way contracts are reserved for players with fewer than four years of experience, making Leons a perfect fit. This deal allows him to appear in up to 50 regular-season games for the Warriors in 2025–26, splitting time between the NBA squad and their G League affiliate. For Bradley University Athletics, this is a thrilling chapter in Leons’ journey, as the former Brave edges closer to NBA stardom.
The Warriors’ sly acquisition right under the nose of their Western Conference rivals, the Thunder, could prove to be a blockbuster steal. With Leons’ defensive wizardry and offensive upside, Golden State is arming itself with a hidden gem that might just dagger their competition. Stay tuned—this Dutch sensation is about to make waves in the Bay!