The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025 NBA Draft with a clear focus: bolster their roster through savvy trades and undrafted free agent acquisitions rather than relying solely on their limited draft capital. With only the No. 41 pick in hand and trade rumors swirling around Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors’ front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, took a calculated approach. They traded their lone pick for two later second-round selections, drafting forward Alex Toohey and guard Will Richard. However, the real buzz came after the draft, when Golden State signed one of the most coveted undrafted free agents, L.J. Cryer, to an Exhibit 10 contract. This move has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, as Cryer’s sharpshooting prowess could be a hidden gem for the Warriors. Let’s dive into why this signing is a low-risk, high-reward move and what it means for the team’s future.
The Warriors’ Draft Strategy: Prioritizing Flexibility
The Warriors’ approach to the 2025 NBA Draft was anything but conventional. With just one second-round pick, the team faced limited options in a draft class that lacked clear star power. Instead of settling for a single selection, Dunleavy and his team opted to trade the No. 41 pick for two later second-rounders, selecting Alex Toohey and Will Richard. Both players are considered “lottery tickets”—high-upside prospects with no guaranteed roster spot but potential to develop into contributors. This move reflects the Warriors’ philosophy of maximizing flexibility, a strategy that has served them well in their championship runs.
However, the draft itself was only part of the story. The Warriors’ front office shifted into high gear once the draft concluded, targeting the undrafted free agent market to unearth talent. This is where L.J. Cryer, a former Houston Cougars star, entered the picture. His signing to an Exhibit 10 contract—a one-year, minimum-salary deal that allows teams to evaluate players in training camp or the G League—has generated significant buzz, and for good reason.
Who is L.J. Cryer?
L.J. Cryer is no stranger to success on the college stage. The 6-foot-1 guard began his collegiate career with the Baylor Bears, where he won a national championship in 2021. After three seasons at Baylor, Cryer transferred to Houston, where he cemented his reputation as one of the nation’s premier three-point shooters. In his final three college seasons, Cryer led his conference in three-point shooting, culminating in an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc in the 2024-25 season. His 15.7 points per game and All-American honors further underscored his offensive firepower.
Despite his scoring prowess, Cryer’s draft stock suffered due to his undersized frame. At 6-foot-1, he faces challenges defending larger guards in the NBA, a league increasingly dominated by versatile, two-way players. This lack of size likely contributed to him going undrafted, but it didn’t deter multiple teams from pursuing him in the free agent market. The Warriors, known for their ability to develop sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, outmaneuvered the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards to secure Cryer’s services.
Why the Warriors Signed Cryer
The Warriors’ decision to sign Cryer aligns perfectly with their organizational strengths. Golden State has a proven track record of turning undersized, offensively gifted players into valuable contributors. Cryer’s elite three-point shooting fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ motion offense, which thrives on spacing the floor and creating open looks from deep. His 42% three-point shooting last season suggests he could stretch defenses, providing a spark off the bench or in spot minutes.
Defensively, Cryer’s size is a concern, as smaller guards often become targets in the NBA’s switch-heavy schemes. However, the Warriors are betting on their player development system to address these weaknesses. Under the guidance of coach Steve Kerr and a staff renowned for maximizing talent, Cryer has a chance to refine his defensive skills while leaning on his offensive strengths. The Exhibit 10 contract minimizes financial risk, allowing the Warriors to evaluate Cryer in summer league and training camp without long-term commitment.
The Bigger Picture: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
The signing of L.J. Cryer is emblematic of the Warriors’ broader strategy: take calculated risks on high-upside players who fit their system. While Cryer may not become the next Stephen Curry, his skill set makes him an intriguing prospect. Undrafted free agents have a history of surprising success in the NBA—think Fred VanVleet or Duncan Robinson—and the Warriors are hoping Cryer can follow a similar path. His immediate role will likely be with the Warriors’ G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he can hone his skills and compete for a two-way contract.
Moreover, the Warriors’ ability to beat out competitors like the Lakers, Raptors, and Wizards for Cryer’s signature speaks to their reputation as a destination for young talent. Players know that Golden State offers a winning culture, top-tier coaching, and a system that rewards shooters. For Cryer, this is an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game while fighting for a roster spot.
The Golden State Warriors’ 2025 NBA Draft may not have produced headline-grabbing picks, but their post-draft moves, particularly the signing of L.J. Cryer, demonstrate their commitment to finding value in unconventional places. By trading down in the draft and targeting high-upside undrafted free agents, the Warriors are building depth while maintaining flexibility. Cryer, with his elite shooting and championship pedigree, represents a low-risk, high-reward addition who could develop into a valuable contributor. As the Warriors prepare for the summer league and the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Cryer to see if he can translate his college success to the NBA. For now, Golden State fans have plenty to be excited about—this could be the start of something special.