The Golden State Warriors are running out of options on the free-agent market while waiting for LeBron James’ decision. One player stands out as a realistic target: 24-year-old wing Ziaire Williams, who the Warriors view as the best defensive option available outside of Draymond Green.
Los Angeles has dangled a two-year, $20 million contract to Jonathan Kuminga. That offer could indirectly clear a path for Golden State. Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option was declined by the Hawks, and he is likely holding out for a larger deal. If Kuminga signs elsewhere, the Lakers would likely pivot to Williams with a comparable offer, and the Warriors would be unlikely to outbid it.
Williams was the 10th overall pick in the 2021 draft, selected three slots after Golden State chose Kuminga. His career-high scoring average sits at 10.2 points per game, compared with Kuminga’s 16.1. While he lacks Kuminga’s finishing polish, Williams has emerged as a strong on-ball wing defender. His defensive Expected Points Metric last season ranked in the 86th percentile, placing him among the elite defenders on the perimeter.
From a schematic standpoint, Williams provides the length and lateral quickness needed to guard multiple positions without sacrificing floor spacing. Paired with Green, his ability to switch and contest shots fits the Warriors’ small-ball identity. Offensively, he can stretch the floor with a three-point shot and finish at the rim, offering spacing for Curry and Thompson while not demanding a primary scoring load.
Strategically, the Warriors are unlikely to chase a high-priced wing scorer when a defensively focused, reasonably priced contract is available. Securing Williams now would lock in a versatile defender before other contenders match the Lakers’ offer, and it would address the perimeter-defensive weakness that has lingered since Klay Thompson’s injury-limited seasons.
If the Lakers retain Kuminga, Golden State’s contingency hinges on convincing Williams that the Bay Area offers a better fit than Los Angeles. The next few weeks will determine whether the Warriors can add the defensive wing that could solidify their championship window.
