JUST IN: Warriors Re-Sign Eminent Young Guard as Camp Nears

After an offseason filled with significant changes, the Golden State Warriors are bringing back a familiar face. According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, free agent point guard Yuri Collins is signing a deal to rejoin the Warriors just ahead of training camp, which starts at the end of the month. Collins previously played for the Warriors’ Summer League team in July. He went undrafted from Saint Louis in 2023 and initially joined Golden State on an Exhibit 10 training camp deal, though he was cut before the 2023-24 season. Collins then signed an affiliate deal with the Warriors’ G League team, the Santa Cruz Warriors. The 23-year-old, who led the NCAA in assists during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, served as a backup for Santa Cruz in his rookie year. In 34 regular-season games (three starts), he averaged 6.3 points on .441/.391/.694 shooting splits, along with 4.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.

Like last year, Collins’ current agreement is an Exhibit 10 deal. If waived by the Warriors and joining the Santa Cruz Warriors for at least 60 days, he could qualify for a bonus of up to $77,500. Golden State’s interest in Collins suggests they see potential in him, despite his modest G League numbers from last season. Under team president Mike Dunleavy Jr., the Warriors are actively searching for new talent. After allowing longtime star Klay Thompson to leave in free agency, Dunleavy brought in three wings as part of a major six-team trade, including former 76ers guards Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton, and ex-Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson. Despite failed attempts to acquire Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors are still eyeing Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Pairing the 35-year-old Butler with 36-year-old Stephen Curry could help revive the Warriors’ title hopes, though they would still need frontcourt reinforcements.