In a stunning turn of events, Taran Armstrong, the electrifying 23-year-old Australian guard, has left the Golden State Warriors’ orbit to join the burgeoning basketball powerhouse, Dubai Basketball, in a move that has sent ripples through the basketball world. NBA insider Keith Smith broke the news Wednesday morning, confirming that Armstrong, previously on a two-way contract with the Warriors, has inked a deal to compete in the ABA League and EuroLeague with Dubai. The Warriors, however, will retain his restricted free agent (RFA) rights, keeping the door ajar for a potential NBA return.
Armstrong’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The 6-foot-6 guard, known for his all-around brilliance, burst onto the scene with the Cairns Taipans in Australia’s NBL during the 2024-25 season. There, he dazzled fans with averages of 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing a versatile skill set that had NBA scouts buzzing. His signing to a two-way contract with the Warriors in late February 2025 was met with excitement from Golden State fans, who saw Armstrong as a potential hidden gem in a season already headlined by the blockbuster acquisition of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler.
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Despite the hype, Armstrong’s time with the Warriors was limited. He never cracked the NBA roster but made his mark with their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. In 11 appearances, he delivered a stellar stat line of 11.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting an impressive 51.0% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. These numbers underscored his potential as a dynamic, two-way guard capable of impacting both ends of the court.
Armstrong remained in the Warriors’ system through the offseason, even suiting up for their Summer League squad, where he continued to display his playmaking flair and defensive tenacity. Yet, with Golden State filling their final two-way roster spot, it became clear that Armstrong’s immediate future in the Bay Area was uncertain. Many expected the young star to return to the NBL, where he had already established himself as one of the league’s premier talents. Instead, Armstrong has chosen a bold and unexpected path, signing with Dubai Basketball—a move that has left fans and analysts alike stunned.
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Dubai Basketball, a rising force in the ABA League and EuroLeague, is building a formidable roster, and Armstrong is poised to join a talented group that includes former NBA players like Dwayne Bacon, Davis Bertans, and Filip Petrusev. The club’s ambition to compete with Europe’s elite makes this an intriguing landing spot for Armstrong, who could use the EuroLeague stage to further hone his skills and keep his NBA aspirations alive.
While his stint with the Warriors was brief, Armstrong’s departure is not necessarily the end of his NBA story. Golden State’s retention of his RFA rights means they can continue to monitor his progress, with the option to bring him back if he continues to shine overseas. For now, Armstrong’s move to Dubai represents a daring leap into a new basketball frontier, one that could elevate his game to new heights while keeping his NBA dream within reach.
As Armstrong embarks on this unexpected chapter, fans will be watching closely to see if the Australian sensation can dominate the EuroLeague and pave the way for a triumphant return to the NBA. For a player with his talent and drive, this “inconceivable move” might just be the spark that ignites the next phase of his basketball journey.