Former Arizona Wildcats point guard Nico Mannion is joining the Golden State Warriors on a two-way contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The club selected Mannion 48th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft last Wednesday.
Typically, two-way players spend most of their time in the G League as they are only allowed to spend a maximum of 45 days on an active NBA roster, but that has changed for the 2020-21 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two-way players are now limited to 50 (of 72) games on an NBA roster and will be paid a flat salary of $449,115 instead of a prorated amount of the minimum. Two-way contracts are typically one or two years in length.
Once a projected lottery pick, Mannion said he expected to be drafted higher, but he called his opportunity with the Warriors “the perfect situation.” He gets to learn from Arizona legend Steve Kerr and NBA MVP Steph Curry in what has been the most successful NBA franchise over the past decade.
“Being the 48th pick does give me a little chip on my shoulder,” Mannion said. “I’d say a little more than a chip. But I’m lost for words, honestly. I think next year, I don’t have any expectations going into the season. I’m just ready to get there and learn and work. I’ve already talked to Coach Kerr, and he pumped me up even more. So I’m excited to get there and learn and work as hard as I can and see what we can do next year.”