This time 12 months ago the Golden State Warriors showed interest in Dalano Banton, only for the former Boston Celtics guard to sign a training camp contract with the Dallas Mavericks.
Banton didn't stick with the Mavericks and only played six combined games with the L.A. Clippers and Celtics last season, leaving an opportunity for the Warriors to revisit their interest in him as they look to finalize their training camp roster.
Warriors can revisit Dalano Banton interest before training camp
Banton has played incredibly well in the G League and has proved a productive NBA player when given opportunity. His best period came at the end of the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30 games.
More recently, Banton played 30 games with the Texas Legends in the G League last season, posting 25.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.1 blocks. That yielded a two-year contract after his return to the Celtics in February, only to be waived on July 9 where he now remains a free agent.
The Warriors could do worse than Banton when it comes to finalizing their training camp roster and setting up a battle for the 15th spot. Golden State have signed Brandon Williams but retain flexibility given the 26-year-old has a non-guaranteed contract, adding greater incentive for he and others during preseason.
Dalen Terry is one notable player the Warriors have already signed to a training camp deal, having pounced on the former first-round pick after he was also waived in July by the Philadelphia 76ers following the arrivals of LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Ben Simmons interest suggests Warriors could look at Dalano Banton
Banton certainly brings an intriguing skillset given he's a 6'9" ball-handler and playmaker, offering elements Golden State could do with as they look to build a productive offense early in the season without Jimmy Butler.
Their recent interest in Ben Simmons before his move to the Sacramento Kings suggests the Warriors are looking at this type of player, albeit the 6'1" Williams remains the far more likely option to wind up as the team's backup point guard after averaging 13.0 points and 3.9 assists with the Dallas Mavericks last season.
Banton has appeared in 222 games across his five-year career, holding averages of 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists on an underwhelming 40.1% shooting from the floor and 30.3% from 3-point range.
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