Aaron Gash/Associated Press

Warriors News: Former 1st-Rounder Dragan Bender Signs 10-Day Contract

Adam Wells

Dragan Bender's free agency has come to an end, as he has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State confirmed the deal on Sunday after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the agreement on February 20.

Bender began this season with the Milwaukee Bucks after signing a two-year contract in July. He opened the year with their G League affiliate before being recalled on Nov. 16. 

In seven games off the bench, Bender averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds and shot 44.4 percent from the three-point line. The 22-year-old became an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 13 after going unclaimed on waivers.

The Warriors are a good landing spot for Bender at this point in the season. He needs a low-pressure situation that will allow him to get on the court and showcase his skills to earn a contract for the rest of this season and for the 2020-21 campaign. 

Golden State owns the worst record in the NBA (12-44) thanks in large part to injuries. Klay Thompson hasn't played all season while recovering from a torn ACL. Stephen Curry played in only four games before suffering a broken hand on Oct. 30. 

Bender can slot into head coach Steve Kerr's rotation as a backup small forward or power forward. The 10-day deal gives the Warriors a chance to bring him in and see what he's capable of as they think about their roster for next season. 

   

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