Philadelphia 76ers forward Georges Niang (20) warms up against the Brooklyn Nets during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Georges Niang (20) warms up against the Brooklyn Nets during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
A former Philadelphia 76ers fan favorite remains on the NBA free agency market, with just one known suitor in the mix for his services.
Georges Niang was getting linked to the Golden State Warriors in early August, but he wasn't the lone free agent linked to Steph Curry's squad. On Tuesday, the NBA found out Golden State's next move, and it doesn't include Niang. Instead, the Warriors signed the veteran guard, Brandon Williams, who spent the previous few seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
Does that leave Niang out of the picture in Golden State?
Not exactly. Unlike the Sixers, the Warriors have room on their roster for multiple additions. When the Warriors were working on trying to lure in LeBron James, they held off on making moves, which included the re-signing of Draymond Green.
Once LeBron decided to take the Sixers route, Golden State had to start stacking up the roster once again. Seeing as though it's deep into the offseason, the Warriors aren't really getting high-profile players to add to the team through the free agency market.
Georges Niang, if healthy, is certainly worth a look, though. And it seems he's still being considered out there in California. According to The Stein Line's Marc Stein, "one roster spot remains open for Niang." He added that there is a "clear role available" for the veteran sharpshooter.
Is there a world where a Niang reunion is possible?
If LeBron chose his second option--which was apparently the Warriors--then Niang and James might've swapped scenarios at this point. The Sixers needed a power forward to compete with Dominick Barlow for Dean Wade's backup.
With LeBron in the mix, Wade becomes the primary backup, while Barlow will have to show plenty of improvement to garner minutes throughout the year when the team is healthy.
At this stage, Niang doesn't make too much sense for the Sixers. Backup center has become the team's biggest need, and when it's time to fill the open 15th spot on the roster, that might be the position that Mike Gansey and Jameer Nelson look to fill.
Niang's best bet is in Golden State. The 33-year-old forward brings plenty of experience to the table, with over 500 games of experience. During his last run in Philly, Niang averaged 9.2 points off the bench, while shooting 40.1% from deep.
His last run with the Atlanta Hawks in 2024-2025 included 12.1 points per game, while knocking down threes at a 41.3% clip. Anything can happen with Golden State's next move, but Niang makes plenty of sense.
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