Latest Buzz Suggests Warriors Are Signing Willie Cauley-Stein

After the Sacramento Kings decided to rescind their qualifying offer to Willie Cauley-Stein and make him an unrestricted free agent, it wasn't long before another team snatched up the former NBA All-Rookie Second Team honoree.

The Golden State Warriors decided to take a chance on the University of Kentucky product, signing him fill the void at their center position.

I’m told Willie Cauley-Stein coming to the Warriors. Was Damian Jones that bad in the Summer League debut? Does that mean no DeMarcus Cousins?
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) July 2, 2019

Cauley-Stein was effective last season, averaging 11.9 points to go along with career-highs in rebounds (8.4), assists (2.4), and steals (1.2), in just over 27 minutes per game.

Willie. Cauley. Stein. ? pic.twitter.com/OT5WDJue2z
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 9, 2017

The only question is: How will he fit in with Golden State?

The Warriors' front office is said to believe Cauley-Stein will blend well with the team's star-studded backcourt. His ability to run the pick-and-roll gives the Warriors a threat in the paint and a way to create more space for shooters coming off screens.

Part of what appealed to the Warriors about Willie Cauley-Stein, I'm told, is his pick-and-roll ability. Personnel will force them to run more this upcoming season. WCS can operate up top with both Steph Curry and -- especially when Curry/Draymond sit -- D'Angelo Russell.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 2, 2019

He's also a phenomenal defender, winning the NABC and SEC Defensive Player of the Year Awards when he played for Kentucky in 2015. He earned these honors by averaging 1.7 blocks, 1.2 steals, and leading the NCAA in Defensive Win Shares with 3.4.