Less than two weeks out from training camp, the Golden State Warriors are already making power plays, officially signing and then immediately waiving guards Chance McMillian and Deivon Smith. This move isn’t just some random transaction; it’s a shrewd strategic play to bolster their G League squad.
This is the Warriors playing chess. This move is all about Exhibit 10 contracts. An Exhibit 10 isn’t some guaranteed, big-money deal; it’s a non-guaranteed training camp contract with a small signing bonus. Critically, it includes a financial incentive for the player to sign with the team’s G League affiliate if they get waived. So, the Warriors signed McMillian and Smith, then immediately waived them. It’s a slick, calculated move designed to sweeten the pot, making it super attractive for these players to enter the Warriors’ system instead of looking for G League opportunities elsewhere. Expect more transactions like this all month as they strategically build out that Santa Cruz G League roster.
Proven Talent Headed Back to Santa Cruz
You gotta be hyped about the talent they’re locking up! Chance McMillian is a local legend, born and raised in Vallejo. After tearing it up in college at Grand Canyon and Texas Tech, he absolutely balled out during his 2024-25 season with the Red Raiders, averaging 14.2 points per game and draining a blistering 43.3% from beyond the arc. Undrafted a year ago, McMillian spent the 2025-26 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors. He clearly left his mark there, putting up 17.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, plus shooting 35.7% from deep. The dude definitely made an impression, and it’s obvious why the Warriors wanted him back!
Then there’s Deivon Smith. This guy is the definition of the modern college basketball journey: five years of NCAA ball at four different universities. While his stats might not have jumped off the page at every stop, he’s known as a super well-rounded player who genuinely contributes in all phases of the game. Like McMillian, Smith also spent last year in the G League, starting with the College Park Skyhawks. But once he landed in Santa Cruz midseason, that’s when he truly exploded! In just nine games with the Warriors, his numbers absolutely took off: 17.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Yeah, he absolutely made a massive impression on the coaching staff too, no doubt about it!
So yeah, McMillian and Smith are officially returning players for the Santa Cruz Warriors, and it’s crystal clear the organization sees something special. This isn’t just about filling roster spots; this is how you build a robust pipeline of talent. Get ready, because that Santa Cruz roster is about to get seriously stacked with proven players already in the system, and these two are a huge part of making that happen. Welcome back, fellas!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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