Warriors cut ties with rookie Alex Toohey, who was part of Kevin Durant trade

SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors have cut ties with their top pick of the 2025 draft.

Golden State is waiving rookie forward Alex Toohey, the team announced Monday afternoon. League sources had previously confirmed the move to the Bay Area News Group. 

Toohey was selected No. 52 overall out of Australia and was part of the massive seven-team trade that saw Kevin Durant go to the Rockets. 

The 6-foot-8 wing was lauded for his passing ability and feel for the game, but rarely had an opportunity to show it during his brief stint with the Warriors while on a two-way contract. 

He missed all of preseason with a left knee injury, and suited up for only two games and averaged seven points and three rebounds in Santa Cruz for the G-League Warriors. 

League sources said that the knee injury was the reason he was released. ESPN later reported that Toohey will require surgery. 

The Warriors also announced that they are signing Malevy Leons to a 2-way contract. The 6-foot-9 forward has spent the past two seasons with Oklahoma City, primarily playing for the OKC Blue of the G-League. 

He has averaged 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 12 games this season for the Blue. Leons also appeared in six games for the Thunder during their championship 2024-25 season.

Prior to that, the Dutchman was a standout at Bradley University, where Leons was the Missouri Valley Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in his final two collegiate seasons before going undrafted in 2024. 

Leons will wear No. 33, last worn by James Wiseman.

While Leons replaces the Warriors’ highest pick, the 2025 draft has still been a smashing success for Golden State. Will Richard, selected four spots later, has entrenched himself as a starter and become a fan-favorite for his hard cuts, energetic defense and reliable 3-point shot.