The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2025 NBA offseason with a mix of challenges and opportunities, but two decisions due by Sunday, June 29, are poised to solidify their roster depth in a way that could surprise fans. While much of the spotlight remains on the uncertain future of wing Jonathan Kuminga, who is entering restricted free agency and could be part of a sign-and-trade deal, the Warriors are quietly making smart, low-risk moves to secure their young talent. Specifically, the team is set to exercise the team options on young reserves Quinten Post and Gui Santos, a move that contract expert Keith Smith of Spotrac.com calls a no-brainer for Golden State.
Quinten Post: A Rising Star at a Bargain Price
Quinten Post, a second-round pick, emerged as a surprise contributor for the Warriors during the 2024-25 season. The center averaged 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in just 16.3 minutes per game, showing steady improvement as the season progressed. His $1.9 million team option for the 2025-26 season is, as Smith notes, “worth far more than this,” making it an incredibly team-friendly deal. By picking up Post’s option, the Warriors not only secure a promising big man who can stretch the floor and protect the rim but also retain the ability to make him a restricted free agent next summer, giving them control over his future.
Post’s development has been a bright spot for a Warriors team looking to bolster its frontcourt. His ability to contribute meaningful minutes off the bench while still on a rookie-scale contract makes him a valuable asset as Golden State navigates the luxury tax and roster-building constraints. Fans should be thrilled to see Post back, as his growth could make him a key piece in the rotation, especially if the team adds another big man to complement him.
Gui Santos: High-Energy, High-Upside
Similarly, Gui Santos, a 2022 draft pick from Brazil, has a $2.2 million team option that the Warriors are certain to exercise. Santos, known for his high-energy play and versatility, averaged 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes during his second NBA season. While his numbers may not jump off the page, his potential as a “high-upside, high-energy project player” makes him an intriguing piece for the Warriors’ future.
Smith points out that Santos’s situation mirrors Post’s, with the slightly higher price tag still representing excellent value. By keeping Santos, the Warriors are betting on his development into a reliable rotation player who can bring defensive intensity and athleticism to the wing. For a team that thrives on depth and versatility, Santos’s return is a move that could pay dividends down the line.
Why These Decisions Matter
While the Kuminga situation looms large, these contract decisions on Post and Santos are critical for maintaining the Warriors’ depth and flexibility. Both players are on cost-controlled contracts, which is vital for a team operating in the luxury tax. Moreover, their youth and upside align perfectly with Golden State’s strategy of blending veteran leadership with emerging talent. The Warriors’ ability to secure Post and Santos at such low costs allows them to allocate resources elsewhere—potentially toward addressing their need for a true big man or navigating Kuminga’s future.
Fans might be surprised by how much these “easy” decisions could impact the team’s trajectory. Post’s emergence as a reliable center and Santos’s potential as a dynamic wing give the Warriors options as they build around their core. With the deadline for these options approaching on June 29, Golden State is making moves that signal confidence in their young talent and a commitment to staying competitive.
Looking Ahead
As the Warriors prepare for the 2025-26 season, the focus will understandably remain on Kuminga and the team’s pursuit of a big man to round out the roster. Their recent draft picks, Alex Toohey and Will Richard, are unlikely to make an immediate impact, making the retention of Post and Santos even more crucial. These two players represent the kind of under-the-radar moves that have long defined the Warriors’ success—finding value in overlooked talent and developing it into something special.
For Warriors fans, the decision to keep Post and Santos might not grab headlines like a potential Kuminga trade, but it’s the kind of savvy roster management that keeps championship hopes alive. Get ready, Dub Nation—these moves might just be the start of something big!