Steph Curry Courts Warriors Wing Target at Valkyries Game
Could Dalen Terry Be the Warriors’ Next Signing? A Simple Breakdown
The Golden State Warriors might be adding a new face to their roster. Dalen Terry, a 6’6" wing player, is rumored to be on the team’s radar for a training camp invite. Let’s break down what this means in simple terms.
The Big News: Why Is Everyone Talking About Dalen Terry?
IMPORTANT POINT
The Warriors have two open roster spots and a desperate need for wing depth. Both Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are out indefinitely with knee injuries. This creates a real opportunity for someone like Terry to make the team.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Seen with the stars: Terry was spotted sitting courtside with Stephen Curry and Gary Payton II at a Golden State Valkyries (WNBA) game on Monday.
- Insider report: NBA reporter Jake Fischer reported that the Warriors have genuine interest in bringing Terry to training camp.
- Recently available: The Philadelphia 76ers waived (released) Terry to clear salary cap space for their signings of LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Dalen Terry’s Background: The Journey So Far
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Played 2 seasons at the University of Arizona. |
| College Stats | Freshman: 4.6 PPG | Sophomore: 8.0 PPG |
| NBA Draft | Selected 18th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2022 (a "lottery adjacent" pick). |
| Pro Career (Bulls) | 3.5 seasons, 204 games, averaging 3.5 points per game. |
| Pro Career (76ers) | Finished the 2025-26 season in Philly: 14 games, 4.1 points per game. |
The Good (Strengths)
- Elite Physical Tools: At 24 years old, he has great length (6’6") and athleticism. These are things you can’t teach.
- Defensive Potential: His size and speed allow him to guard multiple positions on the wing.
- Young & Hungry: He is entering his prime years and fighting for a permanent NBA home.
The Bad (Weaknesses)
- Shooting Struggles: This is the main reason he hasn’t stuck yet.
- Career 3-Point %: 31.4% (League average is usually ~36-37%).
- Career Free Throw %: 63.8% (Often a predictor of shooting touch; NBA average is ~78%).
- Low Offensive Production: Has never averaged more than 8 PPG in a season (college or pros).
Why Would the Warriors Take a Chance on Him?
IMPORTANT POINT
It’s a "Low Risk, High Reward" Gamble. If he makes the team, great—you found a long, athletic defender on a cheap deal. If he doesn’t, you cut him with minimal financial loss.
The Logic:
- Need: The Warriors are very thin at the wing position right now.
- Availability: Players with Terry’s physical profile (24, 6’6", athletic) rarely hit the open market for free.
- Fit: He doesn’t need to be a star. He just needs to defend, run the floor, and hit open shots when Curry and Draymond Green create them for him.
The Competition: Who Else Is in the Mix?
Terry isn’t the only name on the Warriors’ shopping list. Here is the current "Free Agent Board":
1. The "Plan A" Targets (Higher Priority)
| Player | Position | Why They Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly Olynyk | Center / Big | Smart passer, stretches the floor, veteran savvy. Author’s note: Slightly better fit than Niang for one spot. |
| Georges Niang | Forward / "Stretch Big" | Elite 3-point shooter, but viewed as an undersized big rather than a true wing. |
| Brandon Williams | Point Guard | Author’s #1 Target. Solves the backup PG void behind Curry. |
2. The "Plan B" Scenario (Where Terry Fits)
If the Warriors strike out on Olynyk, Niang, and Williams (or only sign one of them), Terry becomes a prime candidate for the remaining open spot.
3. The Internal Competition (Camp Battles)
Even if Terry gets an invite, he has to beat out players already on the roster:
- Lajae Jones (Wing)
- Graham Ike (Big/Forward)
Roster Math: The Warriors have 1 standard contract spot and 1 Two-Way contract spot likely open for this group. It’s possible Jones and Ike both stay (one on each deal), leaving Terry on the outside looking in—unless he outplays them in camp.
Summary: The Bottom Line
- Dalen Terry is a free agent wing recently cut by the 76ers.
- The Warriors have interest (per Jake Fischer) and two open roster spots due to injuries to Butler and Moody.
- Terry’s Profile: Great athlete/defender, poor shooter (31% from 3).
- The Plan: He would likely compete for a training camp invite → Exhibit 10 contract → Standard Roster Spot.
- The Competition: He is behind Kelly Olynyk, Georges Niang, and Brandon Williams on the priority list, but ahead of most other street free agents.
Verdict: This is a classic "flyer on tools." The Warriors bet on athleticism and length hoping their system (and Steph Curry’s gravity) can hide the shooting flaws. It costs them almost nothing to try.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What is a "Training Camp Invite" / "Exhibit 10 Contract"?
Think of it as a tryout contract. It pays a small amount (not guaranteed) and lets the player participate in preseason practices and games. If they impress, the team can convert it to a real NBA contract. If not, they are cut before the season starts with minimal cost.
2. Why did the 76ers release him if he has "NBA tools"?
The 76ers signed LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They needed to clear salary cap space immediately to make those contracts fit. Terry was the odd man out due to his contract status, not necessarily his talent.
3. Can the Warriors really "fix" his shooting?
They have a strong track record of developing players (e.g., Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney). However, fixing a career 31% 3-point shooter in one offseason is extremely hard. The hope is he becomes "respectable" (34-35%) so defenders can’t ignore him.
4. Who are Lajae Jones and Graham Ike?
They are young players currently on the Warriors’ Summer League / camp roster. Jones is a wing defender; Ike is a physical forward/center. They have the "home court advantage" of already knowing the system. Terry has to beat them out.
5. When will we know if he signs?
Training Camp starts in late September/early October. If a deal happens, it will likely be announced right before or during the first week of camp. Keep an eye on the Warriors’ official transactions page!