Just after the close of the 2025 NBA Draft, the basketball world received a compelling update: Texas Tech guard Chance McMillian has officially signed an Exhibit‑10 contract with the Golden State Warriors. Sources citing ESPN confirm McMillian’s deal carries the league minimum and includes a coveted training camp invite, with the potential to transition to the Warriors’ G League affiliate if waived. This news marks an exciting milestone for McMillian and casts a spotlight on the Warriors’ continued strategy of unearthing sharp shooters and high-upside talent, integrating promising players into their development system.
At 24 years old and standing 6-foot-2, McMillian is a seasoned veteran of collegiate basketball, with his early days spent at Grand Canyon before transferring to Texas Tech for his final two seasons. During his tenure at Grand Canyon, he steadily improved—eventually delivering 10.8 points per game and earning team-lead honors in 3‑point shooting. His Texas Tech career culminated in becoming one of the elite shooters in the Big 12, averaging 14.2 points per game and lighting it up from beyond the arc at a blistering 43.3% clip .
He made waves throughout the 2024–25 season, launching memorable performance after memorable performance—equally adept in clutch moments and high-pressure situations. In a February clash with Baylor, McMillian drilled three consecutive threes in a span of just 69 seconds, jolting his team to a comfortable margin, ultimately totaling 19 points in a 73–59 over Baylor. And in a gutsy February 1 matchup against top‑ranked Houston, McMillian scored 23 points—including the two free throws that sealed an 82–81 Texas Tech victory over Houston . These flashes of clutch execution and high‑volume shooting are exactly the kind of traits NBA teams—even historic franchises like the Warriors—salivate over.
The timing of McMillian’s agreement could hardly be more fitting. During the second night of the draft, the Warriors made strategic moves by trading their 41st pick for two late second‑round selections and then adding Alex Toohey and Will Richard to their roster. But they didn’t stop there. In a post-draft press conference, GM Mike Dunleavy announced the signing of **undrafted guards Chance McMillian and LJ Cryer to Exhibit‑10 deals**, highlighting the Warriors’ clear intent to bolster their camp depth with sharpshooters and floor spacers ([sfchronicle.com][5]).
The choice of an Exhibit‑10 agreement for McMillian strikes a strategic chord. These contracts are non-guaranteed one‑year deals at the minimum salary—roughly \$1.2 million—but carry an undercover weapon: if the player is waived, he can earn a bonus of up to \$75,000 by signing with the team’s G League affiliate and remaining there for at least 60 days. For the Warriors, it’s a low-risk, high-upside maneuver: McMillian comes into training camp to compete, contribute in workouts and Summer League play, and perhaps stick if he wows the coaching staff. If not, his rights are retained within the Bay Area’s developmental ecosystem.
From the player perspective, it’s an ideal path for McMillian. He gets access to NBA resources, elite-level coaching, and a legitimate opportunity to earn a roster spot. Should that not materialize in training camp, the backup Plan B is solidified: he’ll continue to play—and develop—in the G League, with the key benefit of staying within the Warriors’ system. That continuity opens up possibilities: consistent exposure to franchise philosophies, offensive sets, and culture could facilitate a future NBA call-up—and that’s particularly valuable for someone as lethal from deep as McMillian.
Delving into his collegiate trajectory offers insight into why the Warriors are inclined to sign him. McMillian’s success is rooted in more than just perimeter shooting; he also brings rebounding, floor spacing, and intelligent decision-making to the table. His per-game average of 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his final season, alongside All-Big 12 Second Team honors, demonstrates multifaceted value. The Warriors have a history of favoring such multidimensional guards—especially those with range and high basketball IQ—as seen in their past developmental patterns (with players like Quinn Cook, Damian Jones, and others).
The fact that McMillian is a 24-year-old undrafted rookie makes things interesting. He’s not a hotshot one-and-done product; rather, he’s a bloom-back-by-fifth-year senior who steadily honed his craft—especially his perimeter game—over the collegiate trajectory. His career totals include 1,467 points and 245 made threes, hinting at a consistency and volume that stand out . That maturation aligns with the Warriors’ preference for players who are mentally and emotionally ready, and who can contribute—perhaps immediately in certain roles—or step up to fill gaps when needed.
There’s also more context: McMillian holds Bay Area roots, being a Vallejo native. That hometown connection isn’t lost on the franchise or its fans; hometown kids tend to bring more grit, more personal investment. The Warriors front office might be looking at this as more than a player signing—it’s about tapping into local pride and cultivating community favorites.
Preparation and showcase opportunities come next. The Warriors will open Summer League play on July 5 at the California Classic in San Francisco and then continue in Las Vegas from July 10 to 20. McMillian’s inclusion in these rosters allows him to prove he can defend at a high level, hit shots in live NBA-type settings, and show how he meshes under the Warriors’ system. In Summer League, every three, every contested drive, and every pitch to a teammate counts—especially during contract year battles, where everyone on Exhibit‑10 is competing for limited Summer League minutes.
But McMillian is just part of the bigger picture. The Warriors are also managing the future of Jonathan Kuminga, whose restricted free agency looms. Golden State is rumored to be preparing to either match offers Kuminga might get or explore a sign-and-trade structure. Their front office is keenly balancing talent infusion via the draft and undrafted signees, while protecting their core and preserving cap flexibility.
Chance’s deal fits that broader blueprint: the Warriors are maximizing talent acquisition at low cost, without giving up guaranteed money. Exhibit‑10 signings can be seen as roster insurance and developmental experimentation. If McMillian proves he’s worthy, they can convert his deal or sign him to a two-way contract. If not, the investment remains minimal—but they still retain a pathway to bring him back via the G League.
The model has precedent. The Warriors have successfully used Exhibit‑10 pathways with players like Alex Antetokounmpo, Justinian Jessup, and Manny Patterson—some of whom have eventually earned two-way deals or even 10-day contracts. That trajectory offers a realistic roadmap for McMillian: shine in camp, turn heads, show defensive intensity, and keep the shooting hot—and there’s a legitimate chance he fights his way onto a roster or G League powerhouse like the Santa Cruz Warriors.
From a media perspective, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony highlighted McMillian’s sharpshooting as the key attraction, noting his 57% two-point efficiency—despite primarily operating from deep—and that his skills should mesh nicely with Golden State’s fluid style. Most scouts measure value not only by raw percentages but relative consistency and adaptability. The fact that Chance’s shot selection was balanced—63% inside the arc with a high success rate—indicates he can be more than a catch-and-shoot option.
From Texas Tech’s vantage point, this marks a great moment. Just last May, McMillian was preparing for the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago—a week‑long showcase involving workouts and scrimmages in front of NBA and G League scouts. He had, in many ways, answered those early invitations with substance—putting together consecutive seasons of high output and winning performances. That background suggests this Exhibit‑10 deal is no fluke, but a precursor to deeper attention from other NBA front offices.
Still, Exhibit‑10 contracts don’t guarantee anything long-term. In camp, McMillian will need to display strong perimeter defense—a non-negotiable for 23-man rosters. He’ll need to showcase effectiveness in off-ball movement, catch-and-shoot precision, and the occasional ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Additionally, in summer workouts he must demonstrate that he can absorb and execute NBA-level game plans. Coaches often evaluate undrafted players not just on stats, but on their understanding of defensive rotations, communication, and resilience under pressure.
The upcoming Summer League may serve as his biggest immediate knock-down test. Traditionally, Golden State allocates exhibition minutes to look at a range of prospects and staff-invited rookies. If Chance can string together consecutive solid outings—especially in secondary playmaking roles or amid high-activity run‑and‑gun environments—his stock could rise fast. Moreover, if he consistently hits from deep and makes winning plays, he may merit invitation back to full training camp for the main roster’s preseason.
Still, should he not break through initially, the program’s next chapter could unfold in the G League—Santa Cruz Warriors, specifically. That affiliate boasts a strong development program and a track record of nurturing shooters and versatile guards. With Exhibit‑10 bonuses, McMillian has financial security (assuming he remains on the roster), and the G League provides a path to 10‑day call‑ups or two‑way deals. If his percentages hold at 40%+ from three in that environment, he’ll become a mid-season candidate for an NBA roster spot—either with Golden State or another team that spots his stroke as a valuable addition.
For Texas Tech fans, this is cause for celebration. McMillian’s rise from Grand Canyon to the Big 12, and now to an NBA opportunity, creates a full-circle moment. He represents hard work, adaptability, maturity, and shooting excellence. His story—transferring, improving, earning conference honors, and now turning pro—resonates with players and fans alike. Should he thrive in the G League or even make an NBA game debut, it would speak volumes about the path Texas Tech can carve for under‑the-radar talents.
The Warriors organization, too, is signaling that their model remains consistent: finesse plus value. They’re not gambling on untested athleticism—they’re betting on proven skillsets that align with their offensive DNA. McMillian’s track record of accuracy from deep, combined with a strong shooting-touch pedigree, fits well with Golden State’s motion-heavy philosophy. Moreover, he brings payoff potential: if he can defend—even adequately enough—he could be activated for late-game, high-energy bench roles, or serve as a camp training tool for younger draft picks.
For Chance himself, the moment is monumental. From Big 12 showdowns to the prospect-laden arena of NBA Summer League, his journey now enters the crucible of professional assessment. His Exhibit‑10 deal may or may not convert; but with elite shooting, demonstrated clutch composure, and hard-earned respect, he’s engineered a multi-step opportunity—an authentic shot to earn his way.
In sum, the breaking news that Chance McMillian has signed an Exhibit‑10 with the Warriors isn’t just a transaction. It’s a convergence of readiness, fit, and timing. A polished college sharpshooter signing with a forward-thinking NBA franchise—it’s a story made for modern basketball. Over the next weeks and months, all eyes will turn to Golden State’s training camp and Summer League rosters to see if McMillian can parlay this into real minutes, G League standout status, or even a breakthrough NBA debut.
Either way, this stage debut reflects diligence and readiness—the kind that NBA franchises desire. Summer 2025 will begin in July, but McMillian’s pro life begins now. The path is clear: compete, connect, and convert. One step closer to an NBA roster spot, with the entire Bay Area’s basketball ecosystem ready to watch and support.
