The Golden State Warriors have finalized a contract extension with forward Gui Santos, ensuring his presence on the team for at least three more years. The deal, announced on Saturday, is reportedly a three-year, $15 million agreement that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Current Contract Status and Team Roster Details
Santos entered this season playing under a $2.22 million club option and was expected to become a restricted free agent this summer. ESPN analyst Bobby Marks noted that he was among 28 players eligible for a contract extension before June 30. With this new deal, the Warriors now have nine players signed to standard contracts for the upcoming season, while also holding player options on veterans like Draymond Green, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton.
Salary Cap Considerations for the Warriors
Before Santos’ contract extension, the Warriors were projected to be $105 million over next season’s salary cap, the highest in the NBA, as per Spotrac data. They were estimated to be $33 million below the first luxury tax apron and $45.7 million under the second apron, assuming no additional contract activations. Currently, the team holds about $2.6 million in space beneath the hard cap associated with the second apron. The player options held carry significant financial implications: Green’s option is worth $27.7 million, while options for Horford and Melton would cost roughly $6 million and $3.5 million respectively.
Upcoming Decisions and Contract Expirations
Alongside the Santos extension, the Warriors face important choices about other key players. Kristaps Porziņģis is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season concludes. The team also has expiring standard contracts for Gary Payton II, Seth Curry (both impending unrestricted free agents), and restricted free agent Quinten Post.
Gui Santos’ Development and Recent Performance
Approaching his 24th birthday in June, Santos’ new contract secures his tenure through the 2027-28 season, covering his age-25 year. Drafted 55th overall by the Warriors in 2022, he is in his third season with the franchise. Santos is counted among notable second-round selections alongside Andrew Nembhard, Jaylin Williams, Max Christie, and Jabari Walker.
This extension follows a career-best stretch in February, during which Santos averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals over nine games. He scored at least 15 points in each of his last four contests, including a double-double performance with 15 points and 12 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Looking Ahead for Santos and the Warriors
Gui Santos will aim to build on his recent strong performances as the Warriors prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. This contract extension not only reinforces the team’s confidence in his development but also secures a young contributor who could play a key role in the Warriors’ future plans.
Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos has signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option in 2028-29.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2026
Santos was 1 of 28 players eligible to sign an extension prior to 6/30.
He was set to become a restricted FA.
Golden State now has 9 players on standard contracts for next season (Green, Horford and Melton have a player option). https://t.co/vfa4i60Dcx
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 28, 2026
