Warriors Sign Charles Bassey, Keeping Knicks on the Radar

The Golden State Warriors added Nigerian forward-center Charles Bassey on a one-year contract worth $2.85 million. League sources told *Hoopshype* that only $1.4 million of the deal is guaranteed, with the remainder becoming fully guaranteed in early January. The signing was reported on July 13, 2026 via a tweet from Michael Scotto, who noted the partial guarantee and the Warriors’ intent to bolster bench depth.

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Bassey joins a Warriors frontcourt already anchored by Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. Rookies Yaxel Lendeborg and forward Gui Santos are also projected to receive significant minutes, pushing Bassey further down the rotation. Analysts note that the likelihood of all five frontcourt players logging 60 + games is low, making a bench-level contributor valuable for injury cover. Because his contract is not fully guaranteed until January, the Warriors retain flexibility to cut or move him if roster needs shift.

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The New York Knicks, still seeking a third center, have been linked to Bassey. Writer Kento Kato argues that the Knicks’ front office is not panicking; they could revisit Bassey later in the season, especially if his contract becomes fully guaranteed and the Warriors consider a trade. Bassey waived an implicit no-trade clause when he signed, similar to Jordan Clarkson’s earlier move with the Knicks, allowing a trade without a formal waiver. Kato suggests that a second-round pick could be sufficient compensation for a contending Warriors team, and the Knicks possess multiple such picks after the draft.

Sports Illustrated

Even without an outright cut, the Warriors could explore moving Bassey if injuries or underperformance affect other bench pieces such as Brandin Podziemski or Gary Payton II. The waived no-trade clause means the Warriors could negotiate a deal at any point after the contract becomes fully guaranteed, though the Knicks may lack the most attractive assets to entice a trade.

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Bassey’s role with Golden State is likely limited to short-term bench support, but the partial guarantee and trade-ready clause keep him in the Knicks’ peripheral scouting list. Should the Warriors’ frontcourt suffer setbacks, Bassey could either be released, traded, or see increased minutes, all scenarios that keep New York’s options open as they continue to shape their center rotation.

Sports Illustrated