In a recent announcement by NBA insider Shams Charania on X (formerly Twitter), the Golden State Warriors have made a key move for the remainder of the season. Usman Garuba, a promising two-way center, has been signed to a standard NBA contract.

According to Charania’s post, “The Golden State Warriors are planning to convert two-way center Usman Garuba to a standard NBA deal for the rest of the season; Garuba will fill the Warriors’ final roster spot and is playoff-eligible.”

Garuba, now eligible for the playoffs, steps into the final roster spot for the Warriors. While his minutes on the NBA court have been limited this season—playing no more than three minutes per game—he is poised to bolster the team’s frontcourt depth. Notably, Garuba contributed two crucial points in the Warriors’ 110-118 win against the Utah Jazz on April 8.

Warriors Convert Usman Garuba to NBA Contract

His time with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G-League affiliate, has been fruitful. Currently averaging 12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, Garuba has shown promise in the developmental league.

This move comes after Garuba’s two-year stint with the Houston Rockets, following which he was part of a five-team deal that brought Dillon Brooks to the Rockets. Joining the Warriors after being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Garuba now solidifies the team’s 15-man roster with his standard NBA contract.

Despite limited play this season, tallying only two points and three rebounds in 12 minutes across five games, Garuba’s elevation to a standard contract signals the Warriors’ commitment to his potential.

Alongside Jerome Robinson and Pat Spencer, who hold two-way contracts, Garuba adds depth and versatility to the Warriors’ lineup as they gear up for the playoff run.