The Golden State Warriors didn’t wait long to fill the hole Quinten Post left behind.
Post signed a three-year, $30 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency. Golden State chose not to match. And on Thursday, they moved on — reportedly bringing back center Charles Bassey on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“The Golden State Warriors and center Charles Bassey have agreed on a one-year deal, bringing the big man back to the Bay Area for his sixth NBA season,” Charania reported. “Bassey returns to Golden State in wake of Quinten Post joining the Grizzlies on an offer sheet.”
What Bassey Brings to Golden State
Bassey isn’t a flashy name. He’s a 6-foot-10 big who’s bounced around — the Spurs drafted him in the second round in 2021, and he’s had short stints in San Antonio, Philadelphia and Golden State. But he’s got a chance to earn real minutes as the backup center behind Kristaps Porzingis.
He’s not going to stretch the floor like Post, who shot 36 percent from three last season. But Bassey is a rim-runner, a lob threat and a solid defender around the basket. That fits what the Warriors need from a backup five: someone who can protect the paint, finish at the rim and not get roasted in pick-and-roll coverage.
It’s a low-risk move. One year, likely near the minimum. If it works, great. If not, they can pivot next summer.
Post’s Departure Stings a Little
Let’s be honest. Losing Post hurts. He was a second-year forward who showed real promise — especially as a floor-spacing big who could play alongside Draymond Green or anchor the second unit. Memphis saw that potential and threw a deal Golden State wasn’t willing to match.
$30 million over three years is real money for a guy with 68 career games. The Warriors have salary cap constraints, and they clearly decided they’d rather use that space elsewhere. Smart? Maybe. But it’s a gamble. Post could develop into a key rotation piece for the Grizzlies.
For now, Bassey is the short-term answer. He knows the system, having spent part of last season with Golden State. And the front office clearly believes he can step into that role without much drop-off.
This story is still unfolding. More details on the contract and how the rotation shakes out should come soon.
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