Warriors eyeing Georges Niang and Brandon Williams as cheap depth options

Warriors quietly shopping for bargain bin talent

After a quiet offseason that left plenty of fans and analysts underwhelmed, the Golden State Warriors are finally looking to add a few bodies to the roster. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that two names are drawing legitimate interest from the front office for the team's remaining open spots: Georges Niang and Brandon Williams.

Neither signing would qualify as a splash, but for a Warriors team searching for cheap depth pieces to round out the end of the rotation, both make some sense on paper.

Why Golden State needs reinforcements

This isn't just about roster fatigue — it's about a real problem. The Warriors missed the playoffs entirely last season, a rough outcome fueled largely by injuries. Stephen Curry lost significant time, and Jimmy Butler went down with a torn ACL, gutting the team's depth right when it mattered most.

Now Butler is entering the new season still working his way back from that injury, and the core of the roster otherwise looks nearly identical to last year's group. That's exactly why fans are nervous — and why front office chatter about even modest additions is getting attention.

Georges Niang: A steady veteran presence

Niang brings a résumé of playing meaningful minutes for winning rosters, having spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his prime. He's not the athlete he once was, but his job in Golden State would be simple: knock down corner threes and play sound team basketball alongside veteran leaders like Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.

A roster spot wouldn't be guaranteed, though — Niang would likely need to beat out younger forwards in camp just to crack the regular rotation.

Brandon Williams could offer scoring insurance

Williams represents the more intriguing of the two names. The young point guard broke out last season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 13 points per game in 22 minutes — a real step forward that raised his market value.

If Golden State signs him, Williams would slot in behind Curry alongside DeAnthony Melton in the backup guard rotation. Given Curry's injury history, having an athletic, scoring-capable guard ready to step up matters more than it might seem at first glance.

The bigger issue these signings won't fix

Here's the catch: neither Niang nor Williams addresses what's actually holding the Warriors back — the lack of a legitimate co-star next to Curry. Golden State's biggest offseason swing was reportedly a pursuit of LeBron James, who ultimately passed on joining the franchise.

Butler is now expected to perform at an All-Star level fresh off a serious knee injury, and at an age where that kind of bounce-back is far from guaranteed. Meanwhile, veterans like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford remain on the roster, but both are well past their peak All-Star form.

There's been no indication Golden State is pursuing a bigger name like DeMar DeRozan or Bradley Beal to fill that co-star void. Right now, it's Niang and Williams — solid depth, but not difference-makers.

What's next for the Warriors

All eyes will be on how Butler looks once camp opens, and whether Golden State makes any further moves before the season tips off. For now, the front office seems content betting on cheap upside rather than a bold swing — a strategy that will be put to the test the moment the Warriors take the floor again.