Australian young gun Alex Toohey has been handed another opportunity to chase his NBA dream, returning to the Golden State Warriors less than a year after a serious knee injury threatened to derail his career before it had properly begun.
The 22-year-old has agreed to an Exhibit 10 training-camp contract with Golden State, giving the former Sydney Kings forward an opportunity to compete for a roster position ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Toohey was selected with the 52nd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft before being traded from Phoenix to Golden State and subsequently signing a two-way contract with the Warriors.
However, his first season in the NBA was cruelly cut short by a left knee injury that eventually required surgery, with Toohey waived in December after managing just two appearances for Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.
MORE: NBA star Cole Anthony signs with Melbourne United – should we just hand them the championship now?
Getty Images
The setback meant Toohey never made his NBA regular-season debut, but Golden State has continued to monitor his recovery and has now given the Australian another opportunity within the organisation as he works his way back to full fitness.
The Warriors are reportedly pleased with the progress Toohey has made during his rehabilitation, with the belief he could potentially work his way back onto a two-way contract once he gets back up to speed.
Toohey originally emerged as one of Australia’s leading young prospects during his time with the Sydney Kings, winning the NBL Next Generation Award in 2024-25 after averaging 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
His return to Golden State provides another positive storyline for Australia’s growing NBA contingent and, after injury brought his first opportunity to an abrupt end, Toohey will now get another chance to prove he belongs at the highest level.
While Toohey’s contract is only short-term and provides no guarantee he will make it onto an NBA court, simply earning another opportunity is an encouraging sign for the young Australian, who will now look to grab his second chance with both hands.