The Golden State Warriors finally added a new player as they signed guard Brandon Williams to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Even though it seems like a smart move, what it took to get it done will seem embarrassing to fans who are already unhappy with the front office.
Reporting on the signing suggests that Stephen Curry FaceTimed Williams as part of a recruiting pitch before eventually signing him. That seems a little odd because it’s not like Williams is some star player. He’s a nice depth piece who averaged 13 points per game last season, but he’s not LeBron James or Kevin Durant.
Warriors needed Stephen Curry to complete Brandon Williams move
As Warriors commentator Sam Esfandiari noted on social media, this is not a great look for the front office when signing a guy like Williams should really be a pretty routine move.
If the Warriors need Curry to help close the deal what does that say about general manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office at large?
New @sfchronicle: Brandon Williams was working at his HS gym in LA one day earlier this summer when he told his trainer he had to leave.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 25, 2026
"I got a Zoom call with Wardell."
On the #Warriors -- and Stephen Curry's -- extended interest in Williams:https://t.co/E9exVCECy8
Clearly, among some segments of the fanbase, there is mistrust of Dunleavy. For a fanbase accustomed to championships, greatness, and landing big stars like Durant, the Dunleavy era has not featured the same success. It may be thought of as the "Play-In Era" when fans reflect upon it thus far.
That may not be entirely fair to him because he inherited a team that was full of aging players on the wrong side of 30, and was tasked with trying to sustain a dynasty that many didn’t think would last as long as it did, likely including his boss owner Joe Lacob.
Mike Dunleavy's plan for the Warriors got upended
Dunleavy did make a big move by trading for Jimmy Butler and the early returns on that were phenomenal. The Warriors went on a run, made the playoffs, and then only got bounced in the second round after Curry got hurt.
Then the plan got completely blown up when Butler tore his ACL earlier this year. Fans cannot really blame him for that, but since that injury the team has been somewhat stuck in place. Dunleavy traded for Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, but no one believes that move is going to take the Warriors to the next level.
It certainly doesn't help matters that Dunleavy's predecessor, Bob Myers, just helped the Phladelphia 76ers land Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.
It’s hard to keep Warrior fans happy and Dunleavy’s approval rating is not especially high right now. If Curry is the guy having to help with sales pitches, perhaps the concern about the front office is warranted.
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