The Golden State Warriors have signed Dalen Terry after weeks of speculation, and they have LeBron James to thank after the 41-year-old's free agency decision pushed the Philadelphia 76ers into discarding the former first-round pick.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported the agreement on Thursday -- presumably a training camp deal after the Warriors signed Brandon Williams and Georges Niang to minimum contracts on Tuesday.
Warriors have LeBron James to thank for Dalen Terry signing
After nearly four seasons and over 200 games with the Chicago Bulls, Terry was traded twice before February's mid-season deadline, waived by the New Orleans Pelicans, and ultimately wound up with the 76ers on a two-way contract.
The 24-year-old made 14 appearances for Philadelphia at the end of last season, and clearly impressed enough as he earned a two-year contract. However, those plans were put into disarray when James' decision was quickly followed by the buyout signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, causing the 76ers to waive Terry to make room for the former championship teammates.
As much as the Warriors would have preferred to sign James themselves, they can at least now point to a silver lining they'll hope can develop into something more meaningful if Terry can impress in training camp and preseason.
This signing seemed a fait accompli from weeks ago when Terry was first linked to Golden State, and even more so once the 6'6" wing sat next to Stephen Curry, and amongst a group that also included Gary Payton II and Will Richard, at a recent Valkyries game.
Dalen Terry can still earn main roster spot with Warriors
The good news for Terry is that despite signing Williams and Niang on Tuesday, and despite being ineligible for a two-way contract, there's still a pathway to him being on the main roster come opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers in October.
Williams' contract is completely non-guaranteed until opening night, allowing for Terry or any other training camp invite to win a spot over the former Dallas Mavericks guard if they're good enough during preseason.
That would still appear highly unlikely given Terry holds career averages of only 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists, shooting 44.3% from the floor and 31.4% from 3-point range through his four years to date. Williams, meanwhile, is coming off a career-best season in Dallas where he averaged 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and nearly a steal per game.
Nonetheless the lure of a still technically open roster spot should give Terry extra motivation, and at the very least he appears destined for Santa Cruz where the Warriors have a strong development program.
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