In a shocking turn of events that has left Dub Nation reeling, the Golden State Warriors have made a bold roster shake-up amid their uneven start to the 2025-26 season. The team announced on December 8, 2025, that they are waiving their 2025 second-round draft pick, Alex Toohey, and signing former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Malevy Leons to a two-way contract. This unexpected swap comes as the Warriors sit at a middling 13-12 record through 25 games, desperately searching for a spark to reignite their championship aspirations.
The Abrupt End for Alex Toohey
Alex Toohey, the 52nd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Australia, was seen as a developmental prospect with potential to grow into a role player for Golden State. The 6’7″ forward appeared in just two games for the Warriors’ G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, before a devastating knee injury sidelined him. Sources confirm that Toohey requires season-ending surgery, prompting the Warriors to cut ties and open up the two-way spot.
While Toohey wasn’t expected to contribute significantly this season, his waiver marks a swift and unforeseen departure for a player drafted just months ago. The move underscores the Warriors’ willingness to pivot quickly in response to injuries and performance needs, especially as the team grapples with a roster plagued by health issues.
Enter Malevy Leons: The Ex-OKC Standout
Stepping into the void is Malevy Leons, a 6’9″ Dutch wing who brings size, versatility, and proven G-League production to the Bay Area. Leons, undrafted out of Bradley University in 2024, spent time with the Thunder last season, appearing in six NBA games where he averaged a modest 0.3 points and 0.5 rebounds in limited minutes.
However, his performance with the OKC Blue in the G-League this year has been eye-opening: 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, shooting 51.3% from the field and an impressive 43.8% from three in 12 games (10 starts).
Leons, a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Bradley, adds defensive upside and shooting to a Warriors squad in need of wing depth. Although he was waived by the Thunder before their championship run last season—denying him a ring—this opportunity with Golden State could be his chance to stick in the NBA. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about how his athleticism and rebounding might complement stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, especially with injuries mounting.
Warriors’ Turbulent Season and Broader Roster Chaos
This roster tweak is just the latest in a series of changes for head coach Steve Kerr’s squad, which has been hampered by injuries, chemistry issues, and inconsistent play. Key veterans like Curry, Green, and Al Horford are currently day-to-day, while offseason additions such as De’Anthony Melton and Horford have yet to fully stabilize the lineup. The team also signed Seth Curry and LJ Cryer in November, aiming to bolster shooting and depth.
Adding to the intrigue is the uncertain future of forward Jonathan Kuminga. After a strong start in a starting role, Kuminga has battled injuries and fallen out of favor, culminating in a DNP (Did Not Play) in a recent blowout win over the Chicago Bulls. Kerr explained the decision post-game: “Just because of the way our team looks… with Jimmy [Butler] coming back tonight, it made sense to play the other guys ’cause they complement him really well.” Kuminga, who becomes trade-eligible on December 15, has been the subject of rampant speculation, with the Warriors potentially eyeing deals for defensive help, shooters, or even a blockbuster for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available.
Frustrations have boiled over, with reports of discontent from Jimmy Butler and Green. At 13-12, Golden State is experimenting with lineups, but this latest move—waiving a draft pick for a G-League standout—signals Kerr’s urgency to find winning combinations, especially without Curry in the mix.
What This Means for the Warriors’ Future
Nobody saw this coming—not the fans, not the analysts, and certainly not Toohey, whose NBA dream has been put on hold. Leons’ arrival injects fresh energy into a team that’s been middling at best, but it also highlights the precarious nature of NBA rosters in a competitive Western Conference. As the trade deadline looms and injuries persist, expect more experiments from Kerr and the front office.
For now, Dub Nation can only hope this “stunning move in the Bay” is the catalyst that turns their season around. With Leons’ scoring and rebounding prowess from the G-League, the Warriors might just have found an under-the-radar gem to help chase another ring.