The Golden State Warriors were dealt a blow when LeBron James rejected them in favor of the Philadelphia 76ers last month, but they're finally benefiting from the superstar forward's decision after reported interest in a young wing.
Dalen Terry was waived by the 76ers last month to make room for James and fellow veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, with the Warriors now looking at bringing the 24-year-old to camp according to NBA insider Jake Fischer on Tuesday.
Warriors may finally benefit from LeBron decision with Dalen Terry
Initially a first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 2022, Terry was traded to the New York Knicks and then the New Orleans Pelicans in two separate moves before February's mid-season deadline. He was waived by the Pelicans but quickly landed a two-way deal with the 76ers, then impressed enough to have that converted to a two-year standard contract before the playoffs.
Terry initially had his team option picked up prior to free agency, but James' bombshell move followed by a Caldwell-Pope buyout at the Memphis Grizzlies, changed Philadelphia's plans and forced them into waiving the former 18th overall pick.
Terry remains unsigned a few weeks after the fact, and it may be the Warriors -- once strongly pursuing James themselves -- who wind up giving the 6'6" wing his next NBA opportunity.
"I did hear that Dalen Terry is someone on the warriors radar for a training camp invite. Dalen Terry was on a non-guaranteed deal with Philadelphia. He did not make the roster crunch with the Sixers after they had to make some space for LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope," Fischer said.
Dalen Terry could vie for Warriors' 15th roster spot
Now four years into his NBA career, Terry is no longer eligible for a two-way contract and would have to make the main roster. A camp invite would suggest Golden State aren't completely sold on his prospects as a contiributor next season, potentially setting up a battle for the final roster spot with other players during camp and preseason.
Terry averaged 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 48 combined games with the Bulls and 76ers last season, shooting 43.9% from the floor and 36.4% from 3-point range. He holds career averages of 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 44.3% shooting and 31.4% from beyond the arc.
Those are underwhelming numbers which suggest that an eventual Terry training camp signing is going to do little to turn the disappointment of the fanbase after the Warriors missed out on James last month.
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