SAN FRANCISCO — Warriors Extend Contract with Gui Santos
The Golden State Warriors made a significant move this weekend by securing short-term stability for one of their promising players. They announced on Saturday that they have agreed to a contract extension with Gui Santos. While the specifics of the deal weren’t disclosed, reports suggest the 23-year-old Brazilian forward will earn $15 million over the next three years.
Santos was selected as the 55th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Since then, he has become an important asset for the team, not just for his skills on the court but also for his vibrant personality in the locker room. This season, he has proven to be a reliable part of the rotation, which has led the Warriors to feel confident in committing to him through at least the 2027-2028 season.
Charania also noted that the contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season.
“Gui has become one of our shot creators,” said coach Steve Kerr after practice on Friday. “He does it in some unconventional ways, but he has great game sense—knowing when to make cuts, which often opens up opportunities for others.”
This season, Santos was on track to become a restricted free agent, but his recent strong performances certainly attracted interest from other teams. Since making his fourth start of the season on January 26 against the Timberwolves, where he recorded a double-double, he has consistently scored in double figures in nearly all games.
His averages include 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in about 29 minutes of play across 12 games. A key improvement has been his 3-point shooting, hitting 43.1% lately compared to a prior career average of 36.3%.
The Warriors have relied on Santos more after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury, coinciding with Jonathan Kuminga’s tumultuous time with the team coming to an end. Santos expressed gratitude for the support from the entire organization, saying, “They’ve given me the opportunity to be a little bit more capable.”
Interestingly, Santos seems to embody the player Kerr wished Kuminga could become. While he might not possess Kuminga’s athleticism or skill set that made him a lottery pick, his quick thinking on offense and energetic defense fit seamlessly into the Warriors’ system alongside stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
“Patience” is a word that Santos associates with this season’s progress. Prior to joining the NBA, he played in Brazil’s top league, Novo Basquete Brazil, and spent his first year in Santa Cruz, an affiliate in the G League, after being drafted. His NBA debut came on November 16, 2023, followed by his first start just three days later.
Reflecting on his early days, he remembers asking his coaches what it took to succeed in Golden State. They said it was about playing tough defense, hitting the boards, and finding Steph. To which he thought, “Okay, I’ll do that.”
Santos’ ability to create shots comes from his background as a point guard. Although the 6-foot-7 player was often asked to take on roles like power forward or center, he adapted over a year in the G League. “I had to change my game a bit to fit the system,” he noted. “That’s not easy, but I kept pushing forward.”
Now, with both financial security and a clear future, he feels he’s on the right path. “My goal was always to play in the NBA, to play for the Warriors,” he said.
