Quinten Post is signing a three-year, $30 million qualifying offer from the Grizzlies, and the Warriors now have until 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday to decide whether to match it. The move puts one of Golden State's most useful young bigs on the edge of a change that could reshape the team's plans before the deadline.
Post, who was drafted by the Warriors out of Boston College in 2024, made $2.39 million combined over his first two seasons and started 49 games over that span. He also played a central role in Golden State's strong finish to the 2024-25 season after the Jimmy Butler trade, which is part of why this decision reaches beyond one roster spot.
The numbers make the choice harder. If Post's deal is carried at $10 million next season, it would all but wipe out Golden State's ability to use the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception on LeBron James. The Warriors could still try to bring James in with the $6.1 million taxpayer midlevel exception if their total salaries stay below the second apron at $221 million, and if James is willing to take the veteran minimum he could sign regardless of the cap picture. Renouncing Post would also free up an extra $2.65 million in cap space.
That is why the decision is not just about whether Post helped. He did. It is about whether his value in the middle is worth the cost to a roster that is still waiting on LeBron James in NBA free agency and has already re-signed Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis to two-year contracts. Draymond Green is expected to return on a lower per-year deal to make room for James, while Rich Paul has already listed Golden State among the 10 teams James was seriously considering.
If the Warriors let Post go, they lose a player who gave them real center minutes and a 3-point shot that can open up crowded lineups. If they keep him, they make one path to James much harder. Tuesday night, the accounting and the basketball answer the same question, and Golden State has to choose which one it values more.
