The NBA rumor mill, a constant churn of speculation and concrete developments, has just delivered a significant piece of news that is sending ripples through the league: the Golden State Warriors are reportedly set to sign center Quinten Post to a $7.9 million deal for the 2025–26 season. This acquisition, while a notable investment in a big man, is made even more intriguing by the concurrent, if early, development that MVP buzz starts to build around Post. This convergence of a substantial contract and burgeoning individual recognition paints a fascinating picture for both the player and the storied franchise.
For a player to command a $7.9 million contract for a single season, particularly by the 2025-26 campaign, indicates that Quinten Post has already carved out a significant role and demonstrated considerable value in the NBA. This isn’t the kind of money typically thrown at an unproven rookie or a fringe rotation player. It suggests that Post, who would likely be entering his third or fourth year in the league (assuming he was drafted between 2022 and 2024), has shown enough growth and impact to warrant such an investment from a championship-contending team like the Warriors. The “MVP buzz” further elevates his profile, suggesting a player who is not merely valuable, but potentially on the cusp of superstardom.
Quinten Post, a 7-foot center out of Boston College, was known in his collegiate career for a unique blend of size and shooting touch, a highly coveted combination in the modern NBA. For MVP buzz to be building around him by the 2025-26 season, he must have made an absolutely phenomenal leap in his game since entering the league. His current profile and potential MVP narrative would likely revolve around several key attributes:
- Elite Floor Spacing from the Center Position: This remains Post’s most defining and valuable offensive skill. His ability to consistently knock down three-pointers at a high percentage (a trait he showcased in college) stretches defenses to their breaking point. In the Warriors’ system, where spacing is paramount for Stephen Curry’s off-ball movement and driving lanes, Post’s shooting transforms their offensive options. He creates gravity that pulls opposing bigs out of the paint, fundamentally altering defensive schemes.
- Developing Post Play and Interior Scoring: For MVP consideration, a center cannot just be a shooter. Post would have had to significantly develop his low-post game, demonstrating reliable scoring in the paint, improved touch around the rim, and the ability to draw fouls. This versatility would make him a truly complete offensive threat.
- Impactful Rebounding: A top-tier big man must dominate the glass. Post would need to be a consistent double-digit rebounder, particularly on the defensive end to secure possessions, but also on the offensive end to create crucial second-chance opportunities, a la Kevon Looney in the Warriors’ past.
- Significant Defensive Improvement: This is often the biggest hurdle for offensive-minded bigs eyeing MVP contention. For Post, “MVP buzz” implies he’s become at least a very good, if not elite, defender. This would include improved rim protection (blocks, altering shots), strong pick-and-roll defense (dropping, switching, containing), and excellent positioning in the paint. His size gives him a natural advantage, but his effort, agility, and defensive IQ would have had to rapidly ascend.
- High Basketball IQ and Passing: The Warriors’ system demands smart players. Post would have had to showcase exceptional basketball IQ, making quick decisions, hitting cutters, and facilitating offense from the high post or the top of the key. His passing vision would be crucial to complement Curry’s movement and Draymond Green’s playmaking.
- Leadership and Intangibles: MVP candidates often embody leadership, both vocal and by example. Post’s drive to be “the most valuable player” suggests an intense work ethic and a desire to uplift his teammates.
Signing Quinten Post to a $7.9 million deal demonstrates a clear strategic intent from the Golden State Warriors for the 2025-26 season:
- Addressing a Core Need: While Kevon Looney has been a phenomenal, unselfish center, the Warriors have consistently sought ways to add size and a different offensive dimension at the five position. Post, with his shooting, provides that stretch-five capability they’ve often lacked, allowing for more diverse offensive sets and forcing opponents to adapt significantly.
- Evolving the Offensive System: With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green entering the later stages of their careers (mid-to-late 30s by 2025-26), the Warriors are undoubtedly looking for ways to evolve their offense to remain potent. Post’s shooting opens up new possibilities for pick-and-pop actions, allowing Curry more space to operate, or enabling cutting actions without a traditional big clogging the paint.
- Investing in the Future (and Present): Post isn’t just a future asset; the $7.9 million contract signifies he’s expected to be an immediate, impactful contributor. He represents the “rising star” who bridges the gap between the veteran core and the next generation of Warriors talent.
- Fit with Warrior Culture: The Warriors value intelligence, unselfishness, and a high motor. For Post to garner MVP buzz in a team-centric system, he must be seamlessly integrating these values into his game, using his talents to elevate the collective.
- Cap Management and Value: While $7.9 million is a significant sum, if Post is indeed garnering MVP buzz, then this contract is an absolute steal, especially compared to the deals other elite centers would command. It’s a testament to the Warriors’ scouting and development if they secured him at such a potentially team-friendly rate, effectively “buying low” on a player whose value is about to explode.
The “MVP buzz” building around Quinten Post by 2025-26, especially as he signs this contract, is a powerful narrative driver. This suggests:
- Breakout Season (2024-25): He must have had an absolutely phenomenal 2024-25 season, establishing himself as a top-tier center. This would include significant statistical leaps in scoring, rebounding, and perhaps even assists and defensive metrics.
- Team Success: MVP narratives are intrinsically linked to team success. The Warriors would undoubtedly need to be performing at an elite level – perhaps a top-two seed in the Western Conference – with Post playing a pivotal, transformative role.
- Media Attention and Narrative: His unique skill set (7-foot shooter), his “rising star” status, and his explicit ambition (as potentially hinted at previously) would create a compelling story for media and fans. The idea of a less-heralded big man rising to challenge the league’s established stars would be incredibly captivating.
- Curry’s Unselfishness: If Curry is still performing at an elite level, it speaks volumes about Post’s impact if he can still generate MVP buzz alongside such a dominant offensive force. This might imply that Post is taking on a larger scoring and playmaking burden, or that his defensive contributions are becoming truly elite.
While the buzz is exciting, the road to MVP is fraught with challenges:
- Sustained Dominance: Maintaining an MVP-level performance for an entire 82-game season requires incredible consistency, durability, and mental fortitude.
- Competition: The NBA is packed with perennial MVP candidates (e.g., Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Stephen Curry himself). Post would need to consistently outperform these established superstars.
- Two-Way Impact: While his offense might be undeniable, his defensive impact would need to be profound. Voters increasingly value two-way excellence.
- Narrative Control: While the “rising star” narrative is strong, it needs to be consistently reinforced through big moments, clutch performances, and a visible impact on winning.
In conclusion, the news of the Golden State Warriors signing Quinten Post to a $7.9 million deal for the 2025-26 season, coupled with the burgeoning MVP buzz around him, signifies a bold and exciting new chapter for both player and franchise. It represents a significant investment by the Warriors in a player who has clearly defied initial expectations and accelerated his development at an incredible pace. For Quinten Post, the “MVP buzz” is not just hype; it’s a testament to his hard work, his unique skill set, and an audacious ambition that, if realized, would see him ascend to the absolute pinnacle of individual achievement in the NBA, fundamentally reshaping the league’s hierarchy of stars. The upcoming season promises to be a fascinating watch as Post strives to turn that buzz into concrete MVP reality.
