Shock twist: Warriors’ star scorer to rep?
The Golden State Warriors are facing a critical moment in their roster-building efforts as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s contract decision, with a deadline looming on October 1, 2025. However, an even more surprising development has emerged: the potential departure of Taran Armstrong, a promising two-way guard, to Serbian club KK Partizan in the EuroLeague. This unexpected twist could see the Warriors lose a rising talent to international basketball, raising questions about their depth and future plans.
The Warriors and their fan base are anxiously awaiting Jonathan Kuminga’s decision on whether to accept the team’s contract offer or the qualifying offer by the October 1 deadline. The team is eager for Kuminga to sign a long-term deal, as accepting the qualifying offer would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 and limit Golden State’s ability to trade him. Kuminga’s decision is pivotal, as he is seen as a cornerstone for the Warriors’ future, especially as they aim to maximize the championship window with veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
While the Kuminga situation dominates headlines, the Warriors are also grappling with filling out the remaining five roster spots, assuming Kuminga stays. Among these considerations is the status of their two-way players, including Taran Armstrong, whose potential departure could disrupt the team’s plans.
Taran Armstrong, a 6-foot-5 guard with an intriguing blend of size, playmaking, and scoring ability, signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in February 2025. Before joining Golden State, Armstrong built an impressive resume. He started his career at California Baptist University, where he averaged 10.9 points and 5.6 assists over two seasons as a starter. Seeking greater opportunities, he moved to the Australian NBL, joining the Cairns Taipans for the 2023-24 season. There, he averaged 7.7 points and 2.7 assists in 23 games. In the 2024-25 season, Armstrong’s role expanded significantly, leading to a standout performance of 17.1 points and 4.7 assists in 19 games before transitioning to the Warriors.
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Armstrong’s brief stint with Golden State showcased his potential as a modern guard capable of contributing on both ends of the court. However, with the Warriors’ roster stacked with established stars and a focus on contending for a championship, consistent playing time for Armstrong in the NBA may be limited.
In a stunning development, reports indicate that KK Partizan, a prominent Serbian club, is in negotiations to lure Armstrong to the EuroLeague. Partizan, fresh off a successful 2024-25 season in which they won the Serbian KLS and finished 12th in the EuroLeague, has a history of attracting NBA-caliber talent. The club recently made waves by signing EuroBasket star Miikka Muurinen, and Armstrong could be their next high-profile acquisition.
For Armstrong, the move to Partizan offers a chance to secure significant playing time and further develop his game in a competitive league. The EuroLeague’s high level of play and global exposure could serve as a stepping stone for a potential NBA return in the future. However, his departure would leave the Warriors without a promising young talent who could have provided depth and versatility off the bench.
The potential loss of Armstrong comes at a challenging time for the Warriors, who are balancing immediate championship aspirations with long-term roster planning. With Curry, Green, and Butler in the later stages of their careers, Golden State is under pressure to build a roster capable of contending now while grooming younger players for the future. Armstrong’s skill set—combining size, playmaking, and scoring—made him an intriguing fit for a team looking to blend youth with experience.
If Armstrong departs for Partizan, the Warriors will need to reassess their two-way contract strategy and explore other options to fill their roster. The team’s depth could take a hit, particularly in the backcourt, where Armstrong’s ability to facilitate and score could have complemented their star-heavy lineup.
For Taran Armstrong, the decision to join KK Partizan or remain with the Warriors is a pivotal one. Staying with Golden State offers the prestige of the NBA and the chance to learn from some of the game’s biggest stars, but it comes with the risk of limited minutes on a contending team. Conversely, a move to Partizan guarantees a larger role and the opportunity to shine in the EuroLeague, potentially increasing his value for a future NBA return.
For the Warriors, losing Armstrong would be a setback but not a catastrophic one. The team’s focus remains on securing Kuminga’s future and finalizing their roster for the 2025-26 season. However, Armstrong’s potential departure underscores the challenges of retaining young talent in a competitive market where international leagues offer attractive opportunities.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Warriors’ front office to see how they navigate the Kuminga situation and address the possible loss of Armstrong. This unexpected twist serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of NBA roster construction and the allure of international basketball for young players seeking to make their mark.