Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Santa Cruz Warriors surprisingly trade former Golden State center

By Peter O'Keefe

SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Trevion Williams #50 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Trevion Williams #50 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

While most are focused on potential trades for the Golden State Warriors, the team’s G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, made their own surprising move on Wednesday.

The Warriors have traded 22-year-old big man Trevion Williams to the Capital City Go-Go for guard-forward Jordan Schakel. Williams was initially signed to an Exhibit 10 contract by Golden State, making multiple appearances during the team’s preseason campaign.

The Santa Cruz Warriors have made a surprising decision to trade undrafted big man Trevion Williams after just 22 appearances with the team.

Williams averaged 9.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, with those numbers somewhat restricted by the presence of James Wiseman for 10 games. The 22-year-old played four years at Purdue before going undrafted last year, but he put himself in line for Golden State’s two-way positions that eventually fell to Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome.

Trevion Williams playing for the Golden State Warriors during the preseason. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
Trevion Williams playing for the Golden State Warriors during the preseason. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage) /

After missing out on a two-way contract, Williams joined Santa Cruz and had shown signs of a potential NBA career. While he has a long way to go on the defensive end, Williams’ passing instincts and execution are a rare commodity among centers.

On the other hand, Schackel has genuine NBA experience having been on a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards at times over the last two seasons. He’s played a total of 36 minutes in six NBA games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds on poor shooting percentages.

The 24-year-old has more impressive numbers in the G League this season, averaging over 12 points in 23 games on 36% shooting from three-point range. Schakel also has experience in the Warriors’ system, joining the team in the 2021 Summer League having gone undrafted after four years at San Diego State.

Next. Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs set to break NBA record. dark

The subtraction of Williams leaves Santa Cruz thin at the center position — perhaps it’s a sign of more G League time for Wiseman once he returns from an ankle injury. Seth Cooper’s men are 10-13 in 23 games this season.

Home/Warriors News