By Sunday 
Warriors bolster backcourt depth with 10-day contract for G League standout Yuri Collins
A Strategic Move Amidst Roster Changes
As the Golden State Warriors gear up for a crucial stretch of their season, the front office continues to make calculated roster moves. With just 27 regular-season games left and a major midseason shakeup already in the books—including the blockbuster trade for six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler—the Warriors are now focused on fine-tuning their depth.
Rather than exploring external free agency options, the Warriors have opted for an internal promotion. According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Golden State is signing point guard Yuri Collins to a 10-day contract, giving the young talent a chance to prove himself on the NBA stage.
Who is Yuri Collins?
Collins, a 23-year-old point guard, went undrafted in 2023 but has since carved out a strong reputation in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. The 6-foot floor general has yet to play an official NBA game but has been turning heads with his exceptional playmaking ability.
Through 18 G League games this season, Collins has averaged an impressive 16.2 points and 10.5 assists per game. His 10.5 assists per game rank second-highest in the G League, solidifying his status as an elite facilitator.
This playmaking prowess makes him a valuable short-term addition for Golden State, which recently traded backup point guard Dennis Schroder as part of the Butler deal. With the team now lacking guard depth, Collins’ ability to distribute the ball effectively could provide an immediate boost.
Golden State’s Guard Depth Takes a Hit
The Warriors’ guard rotation has been in flux following their recent trades, making Collins’ signing even more significant. Schroder’s departure left a noticeable gap in the team’s second-unit ball-handling duties, and while Golden State still boasts an experienced backcourt led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, additional depth is a necessity as they push toward a potential playoff run.
Collins now has a prime opportunity to showcase his skills at the NBA level, even if just for a 10-day stretch. His G League numbers suggest he could be an asset, particularly in helping facilitate the offense when Curry takes a breather.
A Temporary Fix, But a Promising One
While there’s no guarantee that Collins will remain with the team beyond his 10-day contract, his signing gives Golden State a temporary solution to their depth concerns. Whether he secures a long-term role or simply serves as a stopgap, this opportunity could be a pivotal moment in his career.
For the Warriors, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that allows them to evaluate Collins while reinforcing their roster ahead of a critical stretch. As the team prepares to take on the Sacramento Kings, all eyes will be on this intriguing new addition.