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Golden State Warriors must orchestrate two-way contract for young forward

By Peter O'Keefe

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Cole Swider #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Gui Santos #15 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Cole Swider #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Young forward Gui Santos has been one of the most impressive aspects to the start of the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League campaign, showcasing an improved and polished offensive skillset throughout the opening three games.

The Brazilian led the Warriors in their opening game in Las Vegas on Friday night, recording 25 points (9-for-15 shooting), seven rebounds and two assists in his team’s 103-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Golden State Warriors must do everything they can to get Gui Santos on the roster via a two-way contract for the 2023-24 season.

Santos opened his Summer League at the California Classic with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. He followed that with an efficient 18-point, five-rebound, two-assist display against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, shooting an impressive 7-for-9 from the floor.

Golden State took Santos with the 55th overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite being a draft-and-stash prospect not contracted with the franchise last season, Santos chose to develop his game with the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz rather than return overseas.

Santos’ form early in Summer League has been an exciting element for Warrior fans. Standing at 6’7″, the 21-year-old has not only proven himself as an off-ball threat, but has more impressively shown an increasing capacity to initiate for himself and others whether off the dribble or in the post.

It has many clamouring for Santos to be part of the Golden State setup for next season, most likely as a two-way contracted player alongside the equally-impressive young guard Lester Quinones.

However, according GSWCBA on Twitter, Santos is contracted with Brazilian club Minas for next season. That could make a contract for him difficult, and would likely require the additional finance of the Warriors buying him out.

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Such a move could prove very worthwhile, with Santos clearly showing potential of developing into a valuable NBA player. He’ll look to impress again when Golden State continue their Summer League campaign against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

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