The Golden State Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship run was a testament to grit, teamwork, and the enduring brilliance of their core. While not as star-studded as their earlier title teams, the 2022 squad, led by the iconic trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, leaned on a supporting cast that rose to the occasion. Players like Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr., Jonathan Kuminga, Nemanja Bjelica, Moses Moody, Andre Iguodala, Damion Lee, and Juan Toscano-Anderson all played pivotal roles in securing the championship. But three years later, the roster has scattered, with some players embarking on surprising new journeys. One such story is that of Damion Lee, a former Warrior and NBA champion, who has made the bold decision to leave the NBA behind and sign with Ironi Ness Ziona in Israel’s Basketball Premier League.
Damion Lee, now 32, spent seven years in the NBA, four of them with the Golden State Warriors, where he became a fan favorite for his hustle, sharpshooting, and clutch performances off the bench. During the 2022 championship run, Lee carved out a meaningful role, contributing to the Warriors’ fourth title in eight years. His connection to the team went beyond the court—Lee is married to Sydel Curry, the sister of Steph and Seth Curry, and daughter of Dell Curry, making him Stephen Curry’s brother-in-law. Together, Lee and Sydel have three children, further cementing his ties to the Curry family and the Warriors’ fanbase.
Lee’s tenure in the NBA was marked by resilience. Undrafted out of Drexel University in 2016, he clawed his way into the league, earning a spot through sheer determination and a reliable three-point shot. His time with the Warriors showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, but after the 2022 championship, his NBA journey took him to the Phoenix Suns for a brief stint. As free agency loomed in 2025, Lee faced a crossroads: continue chasing NBA opportunities or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
In a move that stunned basketball fans, Lee turned down multiple NBA offers to sign with Ironi Ness Ziona, a team in Israel’s Basketball Premier League. The team announced his arrival with enthusiasm, posting on Instagram, “Welcome Damion! 🧡 The NBA champion lands in the heart of the colony.” For a player with Lee’s experience and pedigree—an NBA champion with a proven track record—leaving the league for an international career is a rare and bold choice.
Why would a player with Lee’s resume, still in his early 30s, choose to play overseas rather than remain in the NBA? Sources close to Lee suggest that the decision was driven by a desire for a fresh start and a new cultural experience for his family. The Israeli Basketball Premier League, while not as high-profile as the NBA, is a competitive circuit with a passionate fanbase and a reputation for developing talent. For Lee, this move represents an opportunity to take on a leadership role, play significant minutes, and immerse himself in a new basketball culture—all while providing a unique life experience for his young family.
Lee’s departure from the NBA is part of a broader diaspora of the 2022 Warriors roster. Only Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Moses Moody remain with the Warriors as of August 2025, with Curry (37) and Green (35) still anchoring the team. Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II are likely to return, pending free agency decisions, but the rest of the championship squad has moved on. Andrew Wiggins now suits up for the Miami Heat, while Klay Thompson has joined the Dallas Mavericks. Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney have reunited on the New Orleans Pelicans, continuing their NBA careers. Others, like Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica, Andre Iguodala, and Juan Toscano-Anderson, have either stepped away from the league or taken on new roles, from coaching to international play.
Lee’s ties to the Curry family endeared him to Warriors fans, who admired not only his on-court contributions but also his humility and work ethic. His marriage to Sydel Curry created a unique dynamic during his time in Golden State, as fans rallied behind the “Curry brother-in-law” who played with the heart of a champion. This connection amplified his popularity, but it was his performance—shooting 40.4% from three during the 2021-22 season and delivering key playoff minutes—that solidified his place in Warriors lore.
Lee’s move to Ironi Ness Ziona marks a new chapter in a career defined by defying the odds. In Israel, he’ll have the chance to be a centerpiece for a team hungry to compete in a vibrant basketball league. The move also reflects a growing trend of NBA veterans exploring international opportunities, whether for playing time, cultural enrichment, or personal growth. For Lee, it’s a chance to redefine his legacy while embracing a bold new adventure.
As the Warriors’ 2022 championship team continues to evolve, Damion Lee’s decision to forge his own path overseas is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come from taking the road less traveled. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on his journey, cheering for the former Warrior as he brings his championship pedigree to a new stage.