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Gui Santos of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Draymond Green during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Golden State Warriors have moved swiftly to secure one of their most promising young contributor forward Gui Santos to a multi-year contract extension as his role continues to expand during a pivotal stretch of the season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Santos agreed to a three-year, $15 million extension that includes a player option for the 2028–29 season, locking him into Golden State’s long-term plans just as his on-court impact has surged.
“Gui Santos has scored double digits in 11 of his past 12 games,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater added. “Averaging 31 minutes per game this month. Warriors lock up a rotation wing for three years before he hits restricted free agency.”
Gui Santos’ Breakout Stretch Forced Warriors’ Hand
Since Jan. 28, Santos has been one of the Warriors’ most productive and efficient players, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting an elite 61.3% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range.
Over his last four games, the 6-foot-7 forward has elevated his play further, posting 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block per game while logging consistent starter-level minutes.
The sustained production left Golden State little choice but to act decisively, securing Santos before he reached restricted free agency and potentially priced himself out of the Warriors’ range.
‘That Gives You So Much More Joy to Play’
With increased minutes and responsibility has come confidence — and Santos hasn’t hidden how much that trust has mattered.
“I’m loving it because when you’re on the NBA floor and you’ve got a little bit more freedom to find teammates and either go to the basket and do all that, that gives you so much more joy to play,” Santos told reporters Friday. “I really love it, the momentum.”
That momentum has been fueled not just by opportunity, but by trust from teammates — including franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry.
“When you know you’re going to play every night, when you know your team trusts you, Steph trusts you, that gives you way more confidence,” Santos said on 95.7 The Game.
Warriors Rising Star’s Career Season Across the Board
Santos, 23, is enjoying the most productive season of his young NBA career. In 48 games (13 starts), he is averaging career highs of 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 16.0 minutes per game, while also setting personal bests in efficiency at 53.1% shooting overall and 39.0% from three.
Over his last 12 games, he has scored in double figures 11 times, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 28.8 minutes per game, firmly cementing himself as a nightly rotation piece.
Steve Kerr: ‘He’s Become Really Versatile’
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been vocal about Santos’ development, highlighting his expanded skill set and growing offensive responsibility.
“He’s taken another step this year, Gui has,” Kerr said after Wednesday’s win. “But now, he’s become more on-ball as a creator [and] a post-up guy. He has the ability to play point guard when the other team is pressuring us.
“He’s really a versatile player and somebody we really value.”
From Second-Round Pick to Long-Term Piece
A native of Brazil, Santos was selected 55th overall by Golden State in the 2022 NBA Draft. Over three seasons with the Warriors, he has appeared in 127 games (15 starts), averaging 4.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 13.6 minutes per game.
He also gained playoff experience, appearing in 10 postseason games during the 2025 playoffs.
Now, with his role expanding and his future secured, Santos has gone from a developmental prospect to a key part of Golden State’s evolving rotation — and the Warriors have made it clear they see him as part of what comes next.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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