Warriors planning to convert two-way big man to standard contract

The Warriors are converting two-way big man Usman Garuba to a standard NBA contract for the rest of the season, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Warriors had an open roster spot to fill and are thus making Garuba eligible for the playoffs by converting him.

The 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Rockets, Garuba played two seasons in Houston before being traded in the five-team deal that brought Dillon Brooks to the Rockets. He was then re-routed again from Atlanta to the Thunder, who waived him prior to the season.

Garuba, touted as a strong defender, has barely played for the Warriors this season after signing his two-way deal. In five games and just 12 minutes, he’s totaled two points and three rebounds this year. Still just 22 years old, Garuba has been more productive in the G League. This season with Santa Cruz, he’s averaged 12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks in 35 regular-season and Showcase Cup games.

Across his three seasons of NBA experience, Garuba holds averages of 2.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 104 games (three starts).

The Warriors now have a full 15-man lineup after signing Garuba to his standard deal. Golden State also has two players, Jerome Robinson and Pat Spencer, on two-way contracts. Because the deadline to sign two-way players passed in March, the Warriors aren’t eligible to sign another two-way player this year. Players on two-way contracts aren’t eligible for the postseason.