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Warriors NBA Champion Announces New Team During Free Agency

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Golden State Warriors

Aug 24, 2025 1:39 PM EDT

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off on October 21, and teams across the league are working to solidify rosters ahead of training camp. Several franchises are still looking for depth pieces, while many veteran free agents continue to weigh their options as the market draws to a close.

Among those players is former Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee, who has spent the last seven years carving out a role as a reliable perimeter threat and steady veteran presence. After missing most of last season due to injury, Lee entered the offseason still searching for the right opportunity to sign with a team. However, with August winding down, Lee finally made a surprise career decision.

Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee and guard Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee and guard Stephen Curry — Source: © Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

As shared on X by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Lee has signed with Ironi Ness Ziona of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. The move signals a potential end to his seven-year NBA career that began in 2017 with the Atlanta Hawks and included a championship run with the Warriors in 22.

Lee announced the move officially via a collaborative post with the Israeli team on Instagram:

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Lee’s most productive stretch came during his four-year stint with Golden State, where he carved out a steady bench role and won the 2022 NBA title. In July 2022, he joined the Phoenix Suns, where he played 74 games in his first season before a knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2023–24 campaign. Phoenix brought him back on a one-year veteran’s minimum contract in July 2024, but his role was limited; he appeared in only 25 games last season and logged double-digit minutes in just three of them.

Across his career, Lee has played in 315 regular-season contests, averaging 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 19.6 minutes. He is also well-known for his close family and professional ties with Warriors star Stephen Curry, having married Curry’s sister Sydel in 2018.

Notable Free Agents Remaining in the NBA

Lee’s decision comes at a time when several high-profile free agents remain unsigned as camps approach. Russell Westbrook is among the most prominent names still available, with the Sacramento Kings reported as a likely destination (via ESPN).

Former All-Star Ben Simmons has also drawn interest, with teams such as the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics exploring the possibility of bringing him in.

Meanwhile, Malik Beasley, who was recently cleared in a federal gambling probe, has re-entered the free agent pool after a previously withdrawn three-year, $42 million offer. His availability has sparked interest among several contenders looking for shooting depth. Beyond those headliners, role players like Precious Achiuwa, Cameron Payne, Garrison Mathews, and Trey Lyles remain available and could be valuable pickups in the coming weeks.

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Ayomide Adeduyite